The Irish stoat (Mustela erminea hibernica) is found all over Ireland and mainly eats rabbits. They are usually, and mistakenly, called weasels in rural areas. It is in fact a distinctive stoat and a separate Irish sub-species.

Irish stoats are skilled hunters who are not fussy in what they eat. They generally prey on rodents, birds, rabbits and insects. Male stoats will stalk and kill prey much larger than itself while the females concentrate on smaller mammals like shrews, mice and rats.

Jan 19, 2025 · What is so special about the Irish stoat? The Irish stoat, Mustela erminea hibernica, is a unique subspecies only found on the islands of Ireland and the Isle of Man.

In Irish mythology, stoats were viewed anthropomorphically as animals with families, which held rituals for their dead. They were also viewed as noxious animals prone to thieving, and their saliva was said to be able to poison a grown man.

Dec 8, 2024 · The Irish stoat is related to the otter, badger and pine marten but is the smallest of these, being similar in size to a rat. Its fur is chestnut brown on the back and head and creamy-white on the belly. It has a long thin sinuous body, short legs and a distinctive black tip to the tail.

May 6, 2011 · Considered to be the most widespread member of the mustelid or weasel family, stoats are common throughout Ireland, and are often referred to here as weasels (the true weasel being absent from this country). Stoats are long, slender …

What is an Irish stoat? The Irish stoat is related to the otter, badger and pine marten but is the smallest of these, being similar in size to a rat. Its fur is chestnut brown on the back and head and creamy-white on the belly. It has a long thin sinuous body, short legs …

The Irish stoat, a unique subspecies of stoat, is found exclusively on the island of Ireland and the Isle of Man. In contrast, the stoat species as a whole is widespread across northern Europe, Asia, and North America and has been introduced to New Zealand.

The Irish stoat is a subspecies different to stoats in the rest of Europe, with the exception of the Isle of Man where it also occurs. It does not turn white in winter and the line dividing the chestnut-coloured upper fur and the creamy-coloured fur on its belly is usually irregular. However, like all stoats, it has a distinctive black tip

Jul 13, 2024 · Considered by some to be ‘witches’ in animal form, stoats fuelled ominous tales in Ireland for centuries. Only 35 centimetres in length, the stoat is found in various habitats, largely...