Observations of a captive least weasel (Mustela nivalis) from Ottawa County, Kansas.

Abstract

Mustela nivalis is an uncommon mustelid in Kansas. Collection records for the state reveal that only 25 specimens have been collected since the first record in 1964. A live specimen obtained from Ottawa County, Kansas was observed for 487 days. Study of this captive least weasel involved recording coat color changes, scat description, kill methods and food consumption. The captive weasel undenvent a spring color change, an incomplete fall color change and a complete return to summer pelage. The study verified that Kansas specimens of M. nivalis exhibit individual variation in seasonal pelage change; all Kansas specimens do not change from summer brown to winter white pelage and an individual (the study specimen) varied in pelage from year to year.