Main Characteristics

Mountain Weasels have a body length between 22 and 29 cms (8.7 - 11.4 inches), a tail length between 9 and 15 cms (3.5 - 5.9 inches) and they weigh between 122 and 350 g (4.3 - 12.3 oz).

They molt their coat twice per year in the spring and the autumn. Their winter coat is yellowish/ruddy brown with a pale coloured throat and belly, while their summer coat is grey to grey/brown with a pale coloured underside.

Habitat

Mountain Weasels can be found in the mountainous areas of Asia at altitudes up to 3,500 m (11,480 ft).

Diet

Mountain Weasels feed on rodents, rabbits, pikas, small birds, lizards, insects and fruit.

Breeding

Little is known about reproduction in Mountain Weasels, but it is assumed that it is similar to other species of weasel.

Predators

Predators of Mountain Weasels have not been documented, but their most likely predators would be birds of prey and owls.

Subspecies

Subspecies of the Mountain Weasel include:

Mustela altaica altaica
Mustela altaica birulai
Mustela altaica raddei
Mustela altaica temon
Mustela altaica tsaidamensis

Interesting Facts

Mountain Weasels are also known as:
Pale Weasel