Weasel
Mustela nivalis
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Overview
The Weasel is Britain's smallest carnivore and a fierce hunter of voles and mice. Much smaller than the Stoat and without the black tail tip. They can pursue prey into burrows underground. On the Sefton Coast dunes they hunt in the rank grass and heather areas. Often overlooked — people mistake them for Stoats — but a close view reveals a noticeably smaller, more compact animal.
At a Glance
| Order | Carnivora |
| Family | Mustelidae |
| Habitat | Dune grassland · Farmland hedge · Rough grassland |
| Diet | Voles (primary prey), mice, small birds |
| UK population | Around 450,000 in the UK |
| Sefton Coast | Present in suitable dune and grassland habitats across the coast |
| Conservation | UK Green List |
Where to See It
Rough grassland, dune margins, hedgerows. Similar habitat to Stoat but smaller territories.
Identification
Very small, slender. Brown above, white below. No black tail tip (key difference from Stoat). Shorter tail proportionally. Rapid movement.
Viewing & Photography Tips
Any small brown mustelid without a black tail tip is a Weasel. They often pop up to look around before diving back into cover — stand still and wait after seeing one move.
Conservation Status
UK Green List
This species has a favourable conservation status in the UK and remains an important part of Sefton Coast biodiversity.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Britain's smallest carnivore?
The Weasel is Britain's smallest carnivore, and one of the smallest in the world. Adult males weigh only 60–130g. Despite their tiny size they regularly prey on rabbits much larger than themselves, killing by a bite to the base of the skull. On the Sefton Coast they are the primary predators of field voles in dune grassland.
Related Species
Plan your visit to the Sefton Coast
Marshside RSPB, Formby pinewoods, Ainsdale NNR — practical guides to getting there, what to bring, and the best spots for each season.