Have you ever been out walking in the snow and come across a set of small animal tracks, made up of tiny hand-like paw prints, and wondered what creature they belonged to? If so, chances are good you spotted weasel tracks.
If you’re short on time, here’s the quick answer: Weasel footprints in snow can be identified by their five long toes and lack of visible claws marks. The front tracks show four toes while the hind tracks show five toes. Weasel tracks are tiny, usually under 2 inches wide.
In this comprehensive guide, you’ll learn all about how to recognize weasel prints in snow. We’ll cover the distinguishing features of weasel tracks, how they compare to similar animal tracks like mink and ermine, what a weasel’s gait looks like, and where you’re most likely to come across them.
Distinctive Attributes of Weasel Tracks
Five long-toed paw prints
One of the most distinctive features of weasel tracks is that they have five long-toed prints in each set of tracks. The toes are very elongated to allow weasels to distribute their light weight over the snow so they don’t sink in (Bear.org).
The toes will be especially pronounced after a fresh snow when the details are crisp and clear.
Lack of visible claw marks
Unlike some mammal tracks like bears, weasel tracks generally lack visible claw marks at the end of each toe imprint. Weasels have claws, but they usually do not show up in their tracks since they have the ability to retract their claws.
However, in rare cases, faint claw marks may be visible if the weasel was running fast or reacting defensively (Wildlife Illinois).
Small size – under 2 inches wide
The tracks of weasels measure less than 2 inches wide, which reflects their diminutive body size. For example, least weasels have an average track width of 1 to 1.5 inches. The stride length between sets of prints is also short, ranging from 4 to 16 inches (Bear.org).
These miniature tracks criss-crossing the landscape reveal the busy and energetic movements of these small predators.
Bounding pattern with four footed and two footed tracks
An active weasel on the hunt leaves behind a bounding pattern of tracks in the snow, with alternating sets of four-footed and two-footed imprints. The four-footed tracks show where they pushed off with their strong hind legs in a leap, while the two-footed tracks capture the landing of their nimble front feet.
Expert trackers can deduce a lot about the weasel’s speed and behaviors from subtle details in this unique bounding pattern.
Comparing Weasel, Mink, and Ermine Tracks
Weasel vs. mink tracks
While both weasels and minks have five toes on each paw, weasel tracks tend to be smaller, measuring about 1-2 inches long. Mink tracks are a bit larger at 11⁄2-21⁄2 inches long. When bounding or loping, weasels leave hind prints that step into or overlap the foreprints, while mink hind prints typically register ahead of the foreprints.
Weasels also have a narrower heel pad than minks.
Here’s a handy table comparing key differences in weasel and mink tracks:
| Characteristic | Weasel | Mink |
|---|---|---|
| Track length | 1-2 inches | 11⁄2-21⁄2 inches |
| Heel pad width | Narrow | Broad |
| Bound/lope pattern | Hind print steps into foreprint | Hind print ahead of foreprint |
Weasel vs. ermine tracks
Ermine are a color phase of weasels, so their tracks are virtually identical. The only difference may be size, as ermine are smaller than other weasel species. Both leave five-toed, long-clawed prints about 1 inch long.
Gaits are also similar, with bound and lope patterns showing overlapping hind/fore prints.
So how do you tell ermine tracks from other weasels? Look at the habitat clues. In winter, erminetracks will be pure white instead of brown, matching their white coat. And ermine tend to stick to open areas like fields, whereas weasels prowl brushier terrain.
If you spot teensy weensy tracks in an open snow-covered field, they’re likely made by an ermine!
Track patterns and gaits
Weasels, mink, and ermine all employ several different gaits depending on speed and terrain. Here’s a quick overview:
- Walk: Slowest gait, with prints in a straight line. Hind prints registered ahead of foreprints.
- Trot: Faster shuffling gait where front and hind prints offset to appear in pairs. Hind prints ahead of foreprints.
- Bound: Bouncy gait where front and back paws hit ground together in pairs. Weasel hind prints overlap foreprints.
- Lope: Swift bounding gait with larger gaps between bounds. Mink hind prints land ahead of foreprints.
These track patterns can help reveal how the animal was moving, and point to key differences between weasel, mink, and ermine trails.
Identifying Track Features
Toe and Pad Prints
Weasel tracks often show clear imprints of toes and pads. The front paws have five toes each, while the hind paws have four or five toes depending on the species. Look closely to see if toe prints are visible, as this helps distinguish weasel tracks from other small mammals.
The pads should also be somewhat visible unless the animal was moving very quickly. Check if the pad prints match up with the expected toe arrangement.
Trail Patterns
Analyzing the trail pattern can provide clues to identify weasel tracks. Long-tailed weasels bound in a distinctive “two foot, two foot” pattern when moving fast, with the larger hind prints landing ahead of the smaller front prints.
Least weasels have a more direct register walk where the hind prints land on top or directly behind the front prints. Look for abruptly changing directions and investigatory side trips, common to the erratic movement of hunting weasels.
Track Measurements
Track dimensions help differentiate weasel species and individuals. For example, the hind tracks of long-tailed weasels measure up to 2 inches long, while least weasel hind tracks max out around 1 inch. Measure the print length and width to compare with known weasel track sizes.
The straddle (distance between left and right prints) may also indicate the animal’s size. Kits and juveniles have much smaller tracks than adult weasels.
Substrate and Conditions
Consider factors like snow consistency, temperature, and age of tracks to better understand and identify imprints. For instance, tracks in fresh powder may show fine structural details that get obscured over time. Hardened snow or icier surfaces may cause tracks to appear distorted or blurred.
Be aware that weather and sunlight can degrade tracks. Analyzing substrate and conditions provides context for more accurate interpretation.
By systematically evaluating toe/pad marks, trail patterns, measurements, and snow conditions around weasel tracks, the winter outdoors enthusiast can correctly identify them. With practice, even subtle nuances can give away these elusive yet ubiquitous mammals.
Investigating weasel tracks connects us to hidden wildlife activity and adds enriching context to a snowy landscape.
Where to Find Weasel Tracks
Woodlands and Forests
Weasels inhabit a variety of wooded areas, so their tracks can often be found in forests, woodlands, thickets, and brush. The best spots to look are along game trails, around burrows or dens, and anywhere prey like mice, voles or rabbits may be found.
In forests, search around fallen logs, stumps, and rocks where prey may hide. Also inspect along streams or ponds that attract wildlife.
- Deciduous forests offer good cover and prey
- Coniferous forests provide shelter in winter months
- Riparian areas near streams attract drinking wildlife
Along Stone Walls or Foundations
Weasels live in underground burrow systems with multiple entrances. They often make homes under man-made structures which provide existing burrows. Carefully examine areas around stone fences, foundational walls, and rubble piles.
Nooks and crannies make perfect den sites so inspect gaps in masonry closely.
| Location | Signs to Look For |
|---|---|
| Stone walls | Holes behind rocks or gaps in construction |
| Building foundations | Cracks or access points into crawl spaces |
| Under porches/sheds | Evidence of dug holes or nesting material |
Weasel tracks around these areas confirm activity. Keep an eye out for prey remains like fur or bones too.
Near Water Sources
Weasels frequent ponds, streams, rivers and lakes to drink as well as hunt for fish, frogs or aquatic rodents. Scan mud and snow near the water’s edge for small five-toed paw prints. Under bridges and docks are also common thoroughfares.
The best times to search are early morning or dusk when weasels are most active. Bring a bright flashlight when visibility is low.
Some great spots include:
- Along pond, lake or river banks
- Near marshy wetland areas
- Under docks in riparian zones
Fun fact – mink tracks are very similar but slightly larger!
In Open Fields
Weasels inhabit open areas like meadows, pastures or prairies close to protective cover. Their tracks zigzag across the landscape as they hunt rodents. The highest likelihood of spots are where mice and vole trails are visible through vegetation.
Weasel prints also turn up near rock outcroppings, bush lines and burrow holes. Early morning after fresh snowfall or dew is the optimal time for identifying tracks.
| Habitat Type | Average # of Weasel Tracks |
|---|---|
| Grassland | 2-5 per acre |
| Pasture/Cropland | 1-3 per acre |
| Alpine Tundra | 10-15 per acre* |
*Higher concentration of small mammal prey
For more information, check out these sites:
Conclusion
In summary, weasel tracks can be recognized by their five long-toed prints lacking claw marks, small size under 2 inches across, and bounding trail pattern. While they share some similarities with mink and ermine tracks, several key differences help distinguish pure weasel prints.
When exploring winter landscapes, keep an eye out for these tiny animal tracks bounding through snowy woods, across open meadows, and near ponds and streams. With some practice, you’ll be able to confidently identify the weasel’sdistinctive footprints.
