Our Coast, Our Sea - Be on the look out for stoats in ermine!

19 January 2011

Northumberland Wildlife Trust is asking members of the public to keep their eyes peeled for stoats in ermine when out and about as the early and harsh winter appears to be encouraging more than usual to sport the beautiful winter garb. The Trust has already recorded over 9 sightings in the Region since the New Year.

The stoat is a member of the weasel family, Mustelidae, one of the largest animal families which includes otters, badgers, martens, polecats and the wolverine, amongst others.
The stoat’s coat is usually a rich red-brown with a white or off-white underparts and the tail has a conspicuous black tip which differentiates it from the weasel, its smaller cousin.
In winter, the coat is thicker, and in warmer areas it remains brown. However, in regions that experience cooler winter climates with cooler temperatures and an inch (2.5 cm) or more of snow (as this area has for the past two years), for a prolonged period of time, the color colour can change through various stages through to total white although the black tip to the tail always remains as a decoy to predators such as foxes and some birds of prey. This white fur is known as ‘ermine’, hence the title, a stoat in ermine.

They have quite large territories, sometimes over 100ha and not a lot is known about their populations.

Northumberland Wildlife Trust would love to hear from anybody who spots a stoat in ermine in the area. Sightings can be reported to the Conservation Team at the Trust on: 0191 284 6884 or via email: mail@northwt.org.uk.