Weasels have a high metabolic rate which drives them in search of prey. They eat 40 percent or more of their body weight daily. During the whelping period, female weasels kill and consume an average of four mice per day. Their fast and furious pace allows only short periods of inactivity. Total daily rest time averages a few hours.
Weasels hunt both at night and during the day.
They locate prey chiefly by scent. Weasels typically pounce on their prey with their forefeet. They kill with bites to the back of the neck. They occasionally emit a shriek when seizing prey. Nature seldom provides a steady source of food.