Tiny Weasels Thrive in Yellowstone's Snowy Landscape

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Naturalist and wildlife photographer Stan Tekiela shares his fascination with tiny but fierce predators, including the long-tailed weasel. During a recent Yellowstone photo tour, Tekiela and his group witnessed a long-tailed weasel's quick and decisive hunting movements as it navigated the deep snow, even after a coyote had passed through the area moments before.

Why it matters

Weasels are remarkable predators that can thrive in harsh winter environments like Yellowstone, where their small size, camouflage, and hunting prowess allow them to survive and hunt even when larger animals struggle. Observing these elusive creatures provides insight into the resilience of wildlife in extreme conditions.

The details

The long-tailed weasel, one of three 'true' weasel species found in America, is the largest of the three, measuring 12 to 20 inches long including a 6-inch tail and weighing up to 12 ounces. All three weasel species undergo a seasonal color change, turning white in the winter to blend into the snow. This allows them to effectively hunt small prey like rodents that are active year-round. Tekiela and his photography group were able to observe a long-tailed weasel's quick, decisive movements as it popped up through the deep snow, even after a coyote had passed through the area moments before.

• During a recent four-week Yellowstone Photo Tour, Tekiela and his group witnessed a long-tailed weasel hunting in the deep winter snow.
• At one point, the weasel paused just long enough for Tekiela's camera to lock focus before bolting across the snow's surface.

What they’re saying