Stoat
Mustela erminea
UK Green ListModerate📍 Lakeland fells
Season
Year-round. White in winter in the north.
Best time of day
Morning. That bounding run.
Lake District
The fells. Moorland. Drystone walls. That bounding run. Black tip on tail. Weasel is smaller, no black tip. Common. Fast.
UK population
Around 438,000. Widespread.
Overview
Stoats bound. That run. Black tip on tail. Weasel is smaller, no black tip. The fells. Moorland. Drystone walls. Common. Fast. You'll get a glimpse.
At a Glance
| Order | Carnivora |
| Family | Mustelidae |
| Habitat | Moorland · Woodland edge · Drystone walls |
| Diet | Rabbits, voles, birds. Hunts actively. |
| UK population | Around 438,000. Widespread. |
| Lake District | The fells. Moorland. Drystone walls. That bounding run. Black tip on tail. Weasel is smaller, no black tip. Common. Fast. |
| Conservation | UK Green List |
Where to See It
Moorland, woodland edge, drystone walls. The fells, Grizedale, Martindale. That bounding. Black tip on tail.
Identification
Long. Brown. Black tip on tail. Bounding run. Larger than weasel. Weasel has no black tip.
Viewing & Photography Tips
Moorland. Drystone walls. That bounding run. Black tip on tail. Fast glimpse.
Conservation Status
UK Green List
This species has a favourable conservation status in the UK and remains an important part of Lake District biodiversity.
Plan your visit to the Lake District
RSPB Haweswater, Grizedale Forest, Leighton Moss. Practical guides to getting there, what to bring, and the best spots for each season.