The video discusses the ermine, a small, fluffy, and cute animal that is a member of the mustelid family. Despite its innocent appearance, the ermine is a skilled and fearless hunter, known as a "universal soldier." It has a long body, short legs, and a small triangular head, with a distinctive black tip on its tail. The ermine is a carnivore and feeds on a variety of prey, including mice, rabbits, birds, and even snakes. It is also known for its cunning and unconventional hunting tactics, including using its agility and speed to catch its prey. The video showcases the ermine's impressive hunting skills, including its ability to climb trees and dig burrows. However, it also highlights the ermine's potential threat to other animals, such as birds and their chicks, and its tendency to get into mischief, such as stealing food from humans. Overall, the video presents the ermine as a fascinating and formidable predator.
Here are the key facts extracted from the text:
1. Ermines have a long body, short legs, and a small triangular head.
2. Ermines have a black tip on their tail that remains black in winter and summer.
3. Ermines are approximately twice the size of weasels.
4. Some ermines can reach a body length of almost 40 centimeters and weigh up to 260 grams.
5. Ermines are carnivores and hunt larger prey due to their size and weight.
6. Ermines can eat mice, rats, chipmunks, birds, insects, lizards, and snakes.
7. Ermines are not picky about food and will eat human food if available.
8. Hares and rabbits are the ermine's favorite food.
9. Ermines can drag heavy prey through grass and deep snow.
10. Ermines are skilled climbers and swimmers.
11. Ermines have excellent camouflage, which allows them to blend into their surroundings.
12. Ermines change their camouflage from brown to white in winter.
13. Ermines are solitary animals and do not like to intersect with other neighbors.
14. Female ermines can run up to 15 kilometers per day, while males mostly run for hunting.
15. Ermines can run fast and jump well, making them skilled hunters.
16. Ermines often get carried away with hunting and catch more prey than they need.
17. Ermines arrange their burrows as warehouses to store excess prey.
18. Larger predators, such as owls and hawks, prey on ermines.
19. Ermines can hunt in open areas but need to be careful due to big predators.
20. Ermines can stand on their hind legs and listen for prey.
21. Ermines can jump into holes to catch prey.
22. Ermines can climb trees to hunt fast squirrels.
23. Ermines are cunning and use unconventional tactics to hunt rabbits.
24. Ermines can hypnotize rabbits with their movements, making them easier to catch.
25. In New Zealand, ermines were introduced to control rabbit populations but ended up destroying rare birds, including the kiwi bird.
26. Ermines eat all eggs they can find, including those of birds.
27. Ermines can roll eggs into their holes.
28. Ermines are fond of red fish and will steal them from humans if possible.
29. Ermines can be caught with homemade fishing rods using meat as bait.