Balke: Ohio Weasel/Buckeye

Ohio's state tree, the lovely Buckeye, grows profusely in the beautiful countryside where another Ohio native, the Long-tailed Weasel uses his hunting talent to survive. Outlaw and rogue, or friend and savior, the Weasel's reputation varies. During the day, Long-tailed Weasels appear to be passive balls of downy fur living in any ready-made cavity or den. Up to thirteen Weasels are born each spring in these snug homes. Soon after birth, the youngsters accompany their parentson nocturnal adventures. Fighting among themselves like small hounds, they travel with mom and dad until they learn to hunt. Only about two feet long when mature, these mammalian make up for their small stature with agility, strength and reckless courage. Sinuous and streamlined, they track down any animal they feel they can overcome. They will attack animals several times their size and Long-tailed Weasels either win or die trying. Their main diet consists of rats and mice,so Long-tailed Weasels offer an important exterminating service to Ohio's farmers. Unfortunately, they occasionally break into chicken coops and can destroy large numbers of fowl in a single raid. Usually weasels hunt only throughout a small area, and within these boundaries they, too, are avidly pursued. Trapped for their fine fur, Long-tailed Weasels are more valuable in winter when they wear their snow-white, cold weather coats, known as ermine.