Stoat

Mustela erminea

Dumfries & Galloway, Scotland - December 2002

Despite its small size, the Stoat is a formidable predator, and often tackles rabbits or young hares that are 4-5 times its body weight. Perhaps even more remarkable than its ability to kill such large prey is that the victim is then dragged back to the stoat's den for consumption. On one occasion, I observed a stoat dragging a large rabbit across a ploughed field. It gave an amazing display of strength and perseverance as it struggled to drag its prey over the furrows.

Dumfries & Galloway, Scotland - December 2002

Dumfries & Galloway, Scotland - December 2002