Least Weasels Rare in Wyoming
LEAST WEASELS: State law lists the “weasel” as a furbearer. Three weasel species exist in Wyoming: long-tailed weasel, short-tailed weasel (ermine) and least weasel. The least weasel is very small and its fur has negligible value. The species is quite rare and little is known concerning distribution. Trappers are asked to make every attempt to avoid trapping the least weasel. The Wyoming Fish and Game Department requests that unintentional trapping of a least weasel be reported to the Nongame Section in an effort to preserve the specimen for scientific use.
The easiest way to distinguish the least weasel from the short-tailed and long-tailed weasel are by looking at the tail. Both the short-tailed and long-tailed weasels have a black tip on their tail. The least weasel is missing this characteristic and has NO black tip on the end of its tail. Please report any sightings to either us or your local game warden so that more information can be gathered on the population dynamics and locations of these unique predators.
Unfortunately traps are indiscriminate and will capture least weasels just as easily as long-tailed or short-tailed weasels. Due to the lack of trapping restrictions and the rarity of this species, least weasels may be extirpated from the state before data on their locations can be collected.
Sherry Rickey
I’m visiting Grand Tetons National Park and saw one of these cute little guys along the edge of Jackson Lake yesterday (Sept. 27th). We were at the picnic area next to the Chapel of the Sacred Heart. We took the path down to the shoreline, then walked to the right a 100 feet or so. I sat on a large rock and this little guy came out to visit. He got pretty close. I will email a couple of photos.
Wyoming Untrapped
Thanks for getting in touch with us Sherry! We will review with our biologist support and get back to you. It would be quite spectacular if our Least Weasel population would become more abundant.
Jeff Wigginton
I believe I just saw one today fishing by the Shoshone River in the rocks it was completely white with a short tail it ran underneath the Rock and then later poked its head out a little let me see it and then quickly went back in tried to get a picture but never saw it after that I fish there often so I’m going to keep my camera with me and see if I can get a picture
Wyoming Untrapped
Thanks for sharing this sighting with all of us, Jeff. For identification, a photo would speak a thousand words. We wish you success in the near future!
Rich E
Just seen one run across the road at Jim Bridger Power plant. Too fast for a pic but now I’ll be watching closer
Wyoming Untrapped
That is exciting news, Rich. You could also use a video to catch it as well. Let us know if you should be able to capture a photo! Thank you!
Katy Graves
I just saw a least weasel in my backyard today. I was playing on my trampoline with my son and I heard this squeaking sound pretty loud. I looked towards my garage and saw a small rabbit and this weasel was wrapped around it. It dragged it under the garage where there is a cleared area. I then saw it again when my dog came to sniff around. It came out onto a gate so I was able to see it quite clearly. I live in Burlington by the river near the Meeteetse line and Roach Gulch reservoir.
Kristin Combs
Thanks for the information Katy. These little guys are quite the voracious little predators so it doesn’t surprise us that it had captured a rabbit. We will pass this information along to the proper authorities and let you know if we need additional information.
Ethne Damm
There was one at the public fishing access on Swimming Pool road in Etna (Star Valley). Saw it 7/12/17. Sorry no picture.
Kristin Combs
Ethne, thank you for your reported sighting of a least weasel in Etna. We will be down that way on Wednesday and would love to see the area where it was seen. Can you describe in more detail exactly where it was located including what time of day? There are three types of weasel in Western Wyoming; the least weasel, long-tailed weasel, and short-tailed weasel. The long and short-tailed weasels are fairly common, with the least weasel being quite rare. Where there specific markings to alert you to the fact that it was a least weasel and not one of the other two?
Scott D Drumm
Today Riverside Wy on my four wheeler, saw a red and white little critter running into the culvert by the old smelter, looking like a weasel, I stopped and watched it scooch real quick.. Thought it was rather peculiar. But yup a weasel, I’ve been in and around all over Encampment and Riverside for two years , never saw the likes until today.
Wyoming Untrapped
If you are in the area again, would you keep a camera on hand? Thanks for sharing!