Mustela frenata. Photographer: Alden M. Johnson. Copyright © 1999 California Academy of Sciences.
This weasel is widespread in the valleys and mountains of the Southwest. Like most weasels, it's adapted to enter burrows after its prey—in the case of the Long-tailed Weasel, prey the size of many ground squirrels. The short legs and elongated body allow it to enter burrows where a more standard morphology would bar an animal of its weight.
Last Update: 27 Jul 2009