Mustela vison
Order: Carnivora
Family: Mustelidae
Status: This valuable
furbearer is one of the most widespread carnivores
in North America. Official Montana furbearer
managed and protected by regulated fur harvest
seasons.
Identifying Characteristics:
This medium-sized, semi-aquatic carnivore has a
long, thin body; short, sturdy legs; short, pointed
nose; short, rounded ears, and a dorsoventrally
flattened head. Thickly furred tail.
Usually rich dark brown in color with a white chin
patch. Sometimes white spots on belly.
Fur is soft and lustrous with long, glossy guard
hairs. Dense pelage is its only obvious
aquatic adaptation. Total length: 19 to 28
inches. Weight: 1.5 to 2 pounds.
Habitat: Usually found
along streams and lakes. Commonly occurs in
marshes and beaver ponds. Permanence of water
and dependable source of food are most important
habitat components. Often uses den sites of
other animals and is commonly found in association
with muskrats.
Food Habits: Preys
primarily on small mammals, birds, eggs, frogs, and
fish. Its diet is almost entirely animal.
During summer preys on waterfowl.
Life History: Semi-aquatic forager. Can
kill prey larger than itself. Chiefly
nocturnal, territorial, and secretive. Dens
underneath piles of brush or driftwood, under rocks,
in hollow logs, and in houses or dens abandoned by
beavers or muskrats. Very aggressive mating
behavior. Mates from January through March; 40
to 79 day gestation; delayed implantation; young
born during April or May; averages 4 to 5 per
litter.
Similar Species: Weasel -
has white or yellow underparts. Marten - has
buffy patch on throat and breast. River otter
- much larger.

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STATEWIDE SEASON DATES: November 1 -
April 15 of the following year except state
Wildlife Management Areas and specific
closures (See SPECIAL REGULATIONS).
Limit:
None.
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