Look Who it Was Random video

Rare White Stoat Dancing on Ice | Discover Wildlife | Robert E Fuller

3,031 views · Published 26 February 2018 · 1:07 · Indexed 4 November 2026

Channel: Robert E Fuller · 2018 · Pets & Animals

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I've spotted a rare pure-white stoat has been spotted in my garden at Thixendale on the Yorkshire Wolds.  Watch as it dances on the pond in my garden!

You can watch more weasel and stoat films here: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLx09JDaWUEFPzNeixXfUZLl_HlfnfNTNm

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*ABOUT THIS FILM*    
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Stoat sighting

I spotted the stoat via surveillance cameras installed in my garden which I use to study wildlife for my paintings. It is rare to see white stoats here - I’ve only ever seen five in the last 10 years. I first saw a female stoat darting through the undergrowth as I was going through my camera footage in December. 

Turning ermine

Stoats have the ability to turn white in winter, but the transformation only happens sporadically and is an uncommon sight in Yorkshire.  When I first saw this stoat only its tail had begun to turn white. Now it is completely white, except for a band of brown fur across its eyes which make it look like its wearing a mask. I’ve decided to call this individual ‘Bandita’.

When the stoat first changed colour there was little snow and it stood out like a sore thumb against the greens and browns of the surrounding countryside. As a consequence it became increasingly shy and nocturnal.

Stoat transformation

For most of the year and throughout most of the British Isles, stoats are a chestnut colour with a creamy white belly and a black tail. But in upland areas and in the north of Scotland, where temperatures are lower and prolonged snowfall more likely, they moult this chestnut coat and replace it with snow white fur that blends in with a winter white background. Only the tips of their tails remain black.

Even then, this coat change is not a certainty. The transformation is believed to be determined by genetics. It is triggered by a ‘switch’ in the stoat’s brain that reacts to cold temperatures and reduced daylight. This controls the amount of melanin a stoat produces. As well as providing excellent camouflage, white fur is supposed to conserve heat. 

The history of stoat's coats

Known as ermine, a stoat’s beautiful white coat is something of a mixed blessing since for centuries white stoat-pelts were highly sought after and used to trim ceremonial robes. The Queen’s coronation crown is trimmed with ermine; the black tips of the tails punctuate the trim at regular intervals. And, when George VI was crowned in 1937 around 50,000 pelts were imported to trim his robe.

Elusive stoats

Stoat’s are notoriously difficult to watch at all times of year, but they become even harder to see against a snow white backdrop. 

Watching stoats

I have set up a feeding station to persuade the stoat to stay in his garden and is using white light so that he watch and photograph it around the clock in full colour. But the project is challenging.


*ABOUT ME* 
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I am a British wildlife artist and filmmaker on a mission to share my love for wildlife with the world. As well as creating detailed animal film and art portraits, I promote wildlife tours around the world and do all I can to help conserve and protect wildlife here at my home in Yorkshire. I hope that by putting nature in the frame I can foster a deep love for wildlife amongst my followers.

Of course, you may like to purchase my artwork which you can find on my website: https://www.robertefuller.com. Many of my paintings are portraits of the wonderful characters you watch here! 

You can also follow me on these platforms: 
Website: https://www.robertefuller.com 
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RobertEFullerArt/ 
Twitter: https://twitter.com/RobertEFuller 
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/RobertEFuller/

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© Robert E Fuller 

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#robertefuller #stoats #stoatkits #discoverwildlife #weasel

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