American ermines use stone walls, brushy field edges, wetland margins, and forest openings throughout Vermont. The Northeast Kingdom and Green Mountains provide extensive habitat, but a quick crossing or a line of paired tracks in fresh snow is more likely than a prolonged view.
They are active year-round, with report peaks in February and November. Vermont ermines typically turn white in winter except for the black tail tip, a useful distinction from other small weasels; never pursue one into cover.
Full species profile
