Weasel
Mustela nivalis
Wenci
Native and widespread, the smallest members of the mustelid group of carnivores. Weasels have no protection under wildlife law in the UK or Europe and are not listed under the Biodiversity Action Plan.
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Status:
Weasels are thought to be common and widespread throughout Snowdonia, although there are no studies or data to confirm this. There have been suggestions that population numbers were decreasing, but there is no evidence to substantiate this. Their main prey here is small mammals, which occur across many different habitats. Weasels are associated with linear habitats especially hedgerows and stone walls, which provide both cover and hunting opportunities. Weasels are probably less common at higher altitudes, in mountains, where prey numbers are lower.