What kind of stoat like creature could this be?

[caribumamba]

Maybe it was actually a stoat, I don't know. Stoat or weasel or something else.

I was riding my bike and just by the verge I think behind the hedgerow I saw this little stoat like creature running very enthusiastically almost parallel to me but up ahead. It had a very elongated neck and overall rather slim and it kind of bobbed its head/neck when it ran.

Not seen something like that that I can recall. Oh and it was nearly all black.

[Peanut]

My best guesses would be polecat or mink. Stoats and weasels are lighter brown.

[Andraste]

I'd guess mink too

[caribumamba]

My best guesses would be polecat or mink. Stoats and weasels are lighter brown.

Funny enough I just happened to read mink mentioned on an unrelated thread and thought, hmm that might be it. I just read they are none native and would have escaped from captivity? Oh but I see they are established now, like grey squirrels.


This one had a really elongated neck it looked a funny gait, bobbing about while it ran but was very energetic.

[ChingfordHarry]

is it too late to say that a weasel is weasily identified because a stoat is stoatally different?

[JoaoLeaftide]

Mink is my guess too. They move in that distinctive bounding way and are nearly black. Escaped from fur farms decades ago and now pretty well established along waterways. Not great news if you have chickens or fish nearby.

[Containergardener]

Does sound like mink. I think various areas like here are monitoring them because they are destructive to wildlife. Obviously the polecats are preferred. Check if there is somewhere locally you can report your sighting online.

[caribumamba]

Does sound like mink. I think various areas like here are monitoring them because they are destructive to wildlife. Obviously the polecats are preferred. Check if there is somewhere locally you can report your sighting online.

Would love for it to come on my field and take up residence to deal with the hundreds and hundreds of mice here!!!