Long-tailed Weasel (Neogale frenata)

Formerly Mustela frenata, the Long-Tailed Weasel was moved to a new genus in 2021. It is a small but fierce predator found in various habitats throughout America and even extending to Bolivia.  

This nocturnal animal's fur changes color with the seasons, displaying brown and yellow hues during summer and turning white in winter to blend with the snowy environment. 

True to its name, Its tail spans almost half its body length with a black tip at the end. Its slender body, short legs, and ability to easily climb trees and navigate through water make it a formidable predator.

Despite its size, the Long-Tailed Weasel is an agile hunter that feeds mainly on small mammals like mice and voles, but it can also consume insects, birds, and eggs. Long-tailed weasels are solitary animals that fiercely guard their territory from other animals.