I am, of course, making an assumption about the consistency of this Long-tailed Weasel’s fur, as I have never had the opportunity to touch one, and likely will never get it. But looking at this animal’s pelt, the thought suggests itself.

The ground squirrel who has just made a lucky escape likely felt the weasel’s claws and did not pay attention to its coat, understandably so. It was saved by a human passerby who surprised the hunting weasel, and we are only privy to the excitement because we hear the squealing ground squirrel before it runs off. This event takes place in the same forest service campground which provides us with hummingbird magic.

We have seen these striking rodents before but never from so close or for so long. This one seems to have made its home under the campground dumpster, at least for the time being. Maybe it’s a little incredulous about having missed breakfast, as its speed and sharp claws and teeth make it a successful hunter, its cute and cuddly appearance belying its fierce nature. As we learn later, this weasel is the most widespread carnivore in the Western Hemisphere and subsists mostly on mice and voles but will capture a host of other prey ranging in size from insects and earthworms to rats and rabbits and poultry, if given a chance.

When the animal disappears, likely in search of food, we, too, wander back to our campsite, where we eat our own (meat-free) breakfast.