Stoat

Background

The Stoat is a very small but clever predator. They’re agile with long and slender bodies that can be identified by their long black tipped tail. Their fur can change colour with the seasons from being red-brown in the summer months and pure white in the winter.

Habitat

Their habitat preference is low country. They tend to be found around farmlands where there is an abundance of food but they also look for a habitat with good hiding places from predators such as hedgerows and ditches.

Diet

The diet of a stoat consists of: birds, voles, hares and they will occasionally eat chickens eggs.

Predators & Threats

Most juvenile Stoats will face a lack of prey animals available. Predation can come in forms of owls, hawks, foxes and domesticated cats.

Facts

• They commonly move using a pattern of jumps with an arched back instead of walking.
• They are nocturnal, so usually found mostly during the night time. However, they can still be seen through day time hours.

Best Time to Look

All year round.