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.
Weasels are only of minor economic importance as furbearers in Alaska.
Weasels are typically taken incidentally in traps set for other furbearers. In Alaska, significant numbers of weasel pelts enter the commercial fur market only when prices are high. For the past several years, a relatively insignificant 300-500 ermine pelts per year have been traded. All Rights Reserved .