Colombian Weasel
January 22, 2007
Colombian Weasel (Mustela felipei) is a species of weasel from South America, especially Colombia, but some specimens have been found in northern Ecuador.
It is a carnivore, sometimes attacking domestic animals like chickens. Because of that is often killed by the farmers. It is also killed because the weasels are associated to local superstitions. The population appears to be in severe decline. It has been labeled as a species in critical danger by the Colombian government, but it has not been included in the CITES international list of endangered species.
This weasel lives in the mountain forests of Andes, from 4,921 to 6,562 ft (1500 to 2000 m) over sea level. The climate is subtropical. It is solitary habits and is not often seen.