The term “ermine” refers to this animal’s fur in the winter pelage. This is the royal ermine, reserved in days past for the use of the aristocracy. At its best this fur is a spotless white, except for the sharply contrasting black tail tip. In heraldry the pure white had symbolic significance, but to the weasel it has more mundane uses. These are as camouflage, both in pursuing prey and in avoiding attacks of enemies. In the far north this seasonal change of garb is mandatory and complete, but in the mild (by comparison) climate of our southwestern mountains the situation is somewhat altered. Here the creature can descend to lower elevations as winter comes on and, if it wishes, evade most of the severe weather. Under conditions which to some extent are left to its own choice, the degree of color change varies greatly. In snowy areas on higher peaks it will change to true ermine; lower down it probably will turn to a light yellow, and below snowline the animal will retain the same brown above and white below that it wears all summer.
short-tailed weasel
Like most other members of the weasel family, these small mustelids are admirably adapted to do their part in Nature. Their size permits them to enter the homes of all but the very smallest rodents. Their strength and suppleness combined with ferocity enables them to subdue animals several times as large. Surprisingly enough, though well able to climb, they do not eat many birds. Most of their prey is rodents. Small mice seem to be preferred, though chipmunks, ground squirrels, and woodrats also are taken. Pikas and small rabbits fall prey to these mighty mites, and there are many recorded cases of snakes being killed by them. Like the mink, short-tailed weasels will gather a cache of food when hunting is good. For their size they have a tremendous appetite; it has been estimated that one will eat half of its own weight in food every 24 hours. From this it will be seen that they can live only in an area where rodents are plentiful, and that they play a large part in keeping these creatures under control.
I have been privileged to see this weasel many times and under varying circumstances. In all of these encounters it has seemed evident that at first the animal accepts the intrusion of man not so much as an enemy, but rather as a competitor. Under these condition it will continue its activities and pay very little attention to the intruder. However, should any hostile action be taken against it, the weasel will make its escape, if possible. If cornered it will savagely defend itself, and as a last resort spray its attacker with the foul-smelling contents of the anal gland. Not so long lasting as the skunk’s perfume, this odorous mist is nearly as effective while it lasts. How much better to stand aside and watch the little predator go about its work!
If you are fortunate enough to be in an area where a hay meadow is being irrigated, you will see the meadow voles (meadow mice) being flooded out of their homes. A careful watch may reveal one or more short-tailed weasels taking their toll of these hapless refugees. You may even find a cache laid away during this period of good hunting. Neither pity the voles nor scorn the weasel; both are only fulfilling their destinies in an ages-old plan.
Spotted skunk
Spilogale gracilis (Greek: spilos, spot and gale, weasel ... gracilis, Latin: slender)
Range: This species, together with several subspecies, is the common spotted skunk of the Southwest. It has a “spotty” distribution over the whole of the four-State area with which this book is concerned.
Habitat: Common in most situations which offer suitable environment from near sea level, to an elevation of approximately 8,000 feet. Seldom encountered above timberline. These skunks normally live in burrows in the ground, but are not averse to taking up residence under buildings or in the walls or attics of frame houses.
Description: A small, nocturnal, black and white animal about the size of an average grey tree squirrel. Total length about 16 inches, of which 6 inches is taken up by the tail. One description of the color pattern would be to call it marbled. The head usually has a prominent white spot between the eyes, with several smaller spots on the sides of the face. The forequarters are marked with four lateral, irregular white stripes which reach to mid body. The rump is variously blotched with white. Tail very bushy and about half white and half black. Eyes dark in color, ears small. Feet small but plantigrade as in the larger species of skunks. Young number three to six, born in early summer.