Observations of Long-tailed Weasel, Mustela frenata, Hunting Behavior in Central West Virginia

Authors

  • Brian W. Smith Division of Forestry, West Virginia University, PO Box 6125, Morgantown, West Virginia 26506-6125
  • Chris A. Dobony Division of Forestry, West Virginia University, PO Box 6125, Morgantown, West Virginia 26506-6125
  • John W. Edwards Division of Forestry, West Virginia University, PO Box 6125, Morgantown, West Virginia 26506-6125
  • W. Mark Ford USDA Forest Service, Northeastern Research Station, PO Box 404, Parsons, West Virginia 26287

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.22621/cfn.v117i2.806

Keywords:

Ruffed Grouse, Bonasa umbellus, Long-tailed Weasel, Mustela frenata, nest predation, West Virginia

Abstract

Using infrared video-surveillance systems during 1999–2000, we observed attempts by two individual Long-tailed Weasels (Mustela frenata) to depredate female Ruffed Grouse (Bonasa umbellus) and their clutch of eggs. Neither female was captured despite Long-tailed Weasel attacks on multiple nights, but all eggs from one nest were either consumed or cached over a two-night period. Although Long-tailed Weasels have been shown to return quickly to areas of abundant prey, return visit behavior to locations where weasels were unsuccessful or only partially successful are poorly described.

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Issue

Vol. 117 No. 2 (2003)

Section

Notes

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