Habitat Ermine prefer riparian woodlands, marshes, shrubby fencerows, and open areas adjacent to forests or shrub borders. In the southern parts of their range, they live mainly in tundras, especially in vegetative areas next to rocky cover. Although ermine are primarily terrestrial, they climb trees and swim well. Tree roots, hollow logs, stone walls, and rodent burrows are used as dens. Dens are usually around 300mm below ground.
Ermine line their nests with dry vegetation, and fur and feathers from prey.
Side cavities of burrows are used as food caches and latrines. The white winter fur has long been used in trimming coats and making stoles. Potential enemies are usually larger carnivores including red fox, gray fox, martens, fishers, badgers, raptors, and occassionally domestic cats. Eventually the skull is perforated and pressure is exerted on the brain, causing death. References Baker, Rollin H. 1983.