Last updated: July 17, 2024
Thing to Do
Weasels
NPS photo by Jacob W. Frank.
Many members of the weasel family call Glacier National Park home. Two of these are the short-tailed weasel, also called ermine (Mustela erminea), and the long-tailed weasel (Mustela frenata).
Both have very long bodies, short legs, and a pointed face. The long-tailed weasel is slightly larger, but they both have light brown fur on the tops of their bodies and lighter white or yellow/orange fur underneath during the summer months. In the winter, both weasels turn completely white except for the tip of their tail, which remains black all year.
Both have very long bodies, short legs, and a pointed face. The long-tailed weasel is slightly larger, but they both have light brown fur on the tops of their bodies and lighter white or yellow/orange fur underneath during the summer months. In the winter, both weasels turn completely white except for the tip of their tail, which remains black all year.
Details
Activity
Wildlife Watching
Pets Allowed
No
Activity Fee
No
Entrance fees may apply, see Fees & Passes information.
Location
Various locations
If you have a sharp eye, both short-tailed and long-tailed weasels can be found in forests and near forest edges. Long-tailed weasels can also be found in grassy meadows and marshes or near water.
Reservations
No
Season
Year Round
Time of Day
Any Time
Accessibility Information
In addition to driving the Going-to-the-Sun Road and other park roads, the Running Eagle Falls Nature Trail, the Swiftcurrent Nature Trail, and the Trail of the Cedars are three of Glacier’s most accessible areas.
Improvements in accessibility are being made each year, and with a bit of pre-planning, all visitors can find Glacier to be a rewarding experience. Details on Glacier's accessible facilities and services can be found on the park's website nps.gov/glac/planyourvisit/accessibility.htm.
Improvements in accessibility are being made each year, and with a bit of pre-planning, all visitors can find Glacier to be a rewarding experience. Details on Glacier's accessible facilities and services can be found on the park's website nps.gov/glac/planyourvisit/accessibility.htm.