What is the primary dietary foundation for nearly every species of weasel?
Answer
Small mammals like mice, voles, shrews, and gophers
The core energetic needs of a weasel, driven by their high metabolism, require food sources that offer dense caloric intake. Small mammals fit this requirement perfectly. Therefore, the foundation of nearly every weasel's diet centers on creatures like mice, voles, shrews, and gophers. The consistent presence of these rodents is what allows weasels to thrive in an area, as they provide the necessary fuel for their high-energy, fast-moving lifestyles. While they are opportunistic and will consume birds, eggs, insects, or carrion when available or when primary prey populations decline, these secondary sources supplement the staple diet provided by small mammals.
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