Stoat

[Kev Berry]

Just got through the gate on our complex and spotted a half grown rabbit in the middle of the track about 20yds away
So I decided to watch him for a bit.
Suddenly a stoat runs out the long grass to one side of brer rabbit, but just runs past it at an oblique angle.
Then it turns round and runs across the front, and carries on doing this a couple of times. Looked like a young puppy just enjoying being outside.
The rabbit hopped back towards the long grass a few yards.
Mr stoat immediately shot in front him but still about 8ft away but close enough so the rabbit turned back round.
The little dance around the rabbit continued with the stoat getting closer then going further away but even closer on the next pass.
Just like a circling shark.
Then he nailed it. Bit of a very short wrestling match till those teeth did the damage, then he effortlessly dragged the much larger bunny off into the long grass.
First time Ive ever seen the stoats dance of death live from start to finish....fascinating.

[Mike F]

They're certainly feisty little sods. I've seen them take down rabbits on quite a few occasions and i just have to stop watch it every time. As you say its fascinating.

[ChrisWales]

I managed to get some decent photos a little while back, they can sure shift. They were taking rabbits bigger than themselves :)

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[Happy Hayes]

Love that last one Chris
Regards
Tom

[davelumb]

I managed to get some decent photos a little while back, they can sure shift. They were taking rabbits bigger than themselves :)

stoat1.JPG

stoat2.JPG

stoat3.JPG

They're certainly wick little buggers!

[neil hardiker]

Once watched a pair of them swim 30 yards across a shallow, fast flowing river before methodically working a rabbit warren - #amazing

[Stewlaws]

Stoats and weasels have the heart of a lion, amazing to watch them and great to see.. Seen 3 last year which was unusual in itself such is the rarity around here.