Ep 9. Weasels: Sleek & Savage - Part 1

Weasels: Sleek & Savage - Part 1 is the ninth episode of the fourth season of Wild America. In this episode, viewers are introduced to the fascinating world of weasels, a group of small but fierce predators that are often misunderstood and feared. Host Marty Stouffer takes viewers on a journey across North America to explore the different species of weasels, their unique hunting behaviors, and their vital role in the ecosystem.

The episode begins in the grasslands of the American West, where Stouffer tracks down the elusive long-tailed weasel. With their sleek bodies and lightning-fast reflexes, long-tailed weasels are formidable hunters that can take down prey much larger than themselves. Stouffer follows a weasel as it hunts for ground squirrels, demonstrating the animal's impressive speed and agility. Along the way, he reveals how weasels are able to fit through small spaces, a trait that allows them to pursue prey that would otherwise be out of reach.

Next, Stouffer heads to the forests of the Pacific Northwest, where he encounters the largest species of weasel, the fisher. Despite their name, fishers are not just fish-eaters – they're also skilled hunters that can take down porcupines, squirrels, and other prey. Stouffer follows a mother fisher and her kits as they forage for food, providing insight into the animal's social behaviors and family dynamics.

The episode then takes viewers to the frozen tundra of the Arctic, where Stouffer explores the world of the least weasel. Though small enough to fit in the palm of a human hand, these tiny predators are some of the most ferocious hunters in the animal kingdom. Stouffer tracks a least weasel as it hunts for lemmings, providing a thrilling look at the animal's lightning-fast movements and fearless nature.

Finally, Stouffer ends the episode in the deserts of the American Southwest, where he observes the black-footed ferret, one of the most endangered mammals in North America. Once thought to be extinct, these pint-sized predators were rediscovered in the 1980s and have since been the focus of intensive conservation efforts. Stouffer follows a team of biologists as they release black-footed ferrets into the wild, highlighting the challenges and successes of this crucial conservation work.

Throughout the episode, Stouffer provides fascinating insights into the lives of weasels, revealing their unique adaptations, complex social behaviors, and vital role in sustaining the ecosystem. With stunning footage of these sleek and savage predators in action, Weasels: Sleek & Savage - Part 1 is a thrilling and educational look at one of the most fascinating groups of animals in the world.