A weasel's annual color changes also provide natural camouflage. The weasel benefits both as the hunter and as the hunted. In winter, a potential predator may only see the black tip of the tail moving against the white snow. If the predator strikes at this black spot, it will miss the weasel's body. As a last resort, weasels can emit an odor which is as pungent as that of a striped skunk.
Weasels are persistent and fearless hunters.
They will boldly confront animals much larger than themselves. They've been known to attack humans who come between them and their food. A severe winter with insufficient food is doubtless their worst enemy. For centuries, ermine fur has been used as trim on parkas and on other clothing. Historically in western societies, the fur was considered to be a badge of royalty.