Observations of Long-tailed Weasel, Mustela frenata, Hunting Behavior in Central West Virginia
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.22621/cfn.v117i2.806Keywords:
Ruffed Grouse, Bonasa umbellus, Long-tailed Weasel, Mustela frenata, nest predation, West VirginiaAbstract
Using infrared video-surveillance systems during 1999–2000, we observed attempts by two individual Long-tailed Weasels (Mustela frenata) to depredate female Ruffed Grouse (Bonasa umbellus) and their clutch of eggs. Neither female was captured despite Long-tailed Weasel attacks on multiple nights, but all eggs from one nest were either consumed or cached over a two-night period. Although Long-tailed Weasels have been shown to return quickly to areas of abundant prey, return visit behavior to locations where weasels were unsuccessful or only partially successful are poorly described.Downloads
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