Winter White Ermine

Two Ermine were regularly feasting on deer rib cages and chunks of suet put out for the birds at our Owl Avenue feeder site in late February/early March. They are quick critters and photographing them was a real challenge. In summer, they have brown pelage, but in winter they acquire a winter white coat save the black tip on their tail. It is one of the only mammals that has a different name in winter…Long-tailed Weasels become Ermine when they turn white. Note that some have a greenish tinge to their fur. Fast critters! Ermine specialize in squeezing their narrow bodies in mice and vole tunnels.