Trying to dance to hypnotize their prey, the little weasel suddenly acted cruelly

It is a unique hunting tactic of erminids and is often applied by them to their favorite prey, the rabbit.


The ecmine (Mustela erminea) is a species of ferret native to Eurasia and North America that, despite its small size, is one of the “worst” invasive species in the world. according to IUCN).

This weasel has caused a significant decline in native bird populations and to some extent rabbits – their favorite prey.

To be able to catch larger, more agile prey and be extremely wary of large ears, the ecmin has a special tactic.


That strategy is… free dance for rabbits! Specifically, weasel species will perform strange dances such as acrobatics, jumping, rolling … to attract the attention of rabbits. After that, the rabbit will be “hypnotized”, unable to take his eyes off the performance.


The weasel, on the other hand, jumps and approaches the victim, who is fascinated with his dance, until it approaches a distance enough for it to launch a surprise attack, leaving the victim unable to react.

This way of hunting seems to take time and quite laborious, but the effect it brings is extremely effective.