(Mustela franata)
Classification Range Habitat Description Reproduction Behavior Links
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Most of North America |
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Just north of the US and Canadian border |
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South to central America |
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Just north of South America |
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Temperate and tropical |
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Range from crop fields to small wooded areas and suburban areas |
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Long slender bodies |
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Long bushy tails that are 50% the size of their total body length |
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Narrow head with long whiskers |
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Short legs |
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Soft under fur covered by shiny guard hair |
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Shed their fur twice a year, once in spring, and once in fall |
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In the more northern populations they turn white for the winter |
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In the more southern populations they are brown year round |
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Males larger |
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Mate once each year |
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Young are born between April and May |
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Have 4-8 offspring per season |
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280 day gestation |
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Weaning around 36 days |
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Females and males, reach sexual maturity at 3-12 months |
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Solitary |
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Very aggressive to intruders |
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Quick ,agile and alert |
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Hunt using scent and sound |
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Kill with quick bite to base of skull |
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Known to be noisy |
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This page was created by Rachael Pettry, Pensacola Junior College Zoo Tech Student, Class of 2005
For more information contact: Small Carnivore TAG Education Liaison