Stoat

They easily kill adult rabbits that are much larger than them with a bite to the base of the skull. Stoats are active by day and at night and are easiest to spot in open habitats, such as sand dunes, grassland and heathland. Stoats mate in summer but delay implantation of the fertilised egg until the spring of the following year. They have one litter of six to twelve kits a year.

How to Identify

Orangey-brown back with a creamy white throat and belly. Stoats are larger than weasels and have a longer tail with a black tip. Stoats move with a distinctive bounding gait and arched back, whereas weasels run close to the ground.

Where to Find

Widespread, found throughout the country except some Scottish Islands, the Isles of Scilly and most of the Channel Islands.

How People can Help

Stoats are not considered to be rare in the UK, but the habitats that they favour are declining – our grasslands, heathlands and woodlands are all under threat. Encouraging farmers, landowners and gardeners alike to have a wildlife-friendly approach, The Wildlife Trusts are working towards a Living Landscape: a network of habitats and wildlife corridors across town and country, which are good for both wildlife and people. You can support this greener future by joining your local Wildlife Trust.

Did You Know?

In the winter, Stoats living in colder climes may go almost completely white, with just a black tip to the tail. This is known as Ermine and is extremely valuable in the fashion world as the white fur is unusually dense. Stoats in warmer parts of the UK may not change colour at all, or may take on a ‘patchy’ appearance.