weasel

IMPORTANT - Sample collection suspended!! - Due to restrictions that were put in place, sample collection from the public has been temporarily suspended. We hope to resume sample collection in the future. If you have carcasses and the capacity to store them (e.g., some extra freezer space!), please keep them and let me know so we can arrange a pickup in the future. If you do not have the extra storage space, we understand and hope you will continue keeping carcasses for us in future harvest seasons. We currently anticipate being able to resume sample collection during the summer of 2021. Thank you again!

Minnesota Harvested Weasel Carcass Submission Details

What do we want?
We are seeking carcasses of weasels harvested in the state of Minnesota, along with details on where the animals were harvested and date of capture.

How will contributed samples & data be used?
Contributed samples will be used for teaching and research of undergraduate wildlife students at South Dakota State University. Research projects may include (1) using stomach contents to perform dietary analyses, (2) using DNA to confirm species ID and composition of harvest among the 3 weasel species in MN, (3) evaluating carcasses for the presence of parasites, and/or (4) other questions that might be of interest to trappers or MN wildlife managers.

Will your location data be distributed?
No. Many folks do not want to share specific locations or may not have access to specific location data. Location data you provide will not be shared or distributed in any way; only the researchers at SDSU will have access to this information. Any research or publications resulting from this data will not include specific locations, beyond general descriptions of data (e.g., county). Location data may include GPS coordinates (preferred) or a description of the harvest location.

How should the carcasses be stored?
Each carcass should be stored frozen in it's own sealable plastic bag (e.g., a Ziplock bag). If you are interested in contributing carcasses, we are happy to mail you storage bags. Location and date of capture can be written on the bag in permanent marker.

How should carcasses and data be submitted?
If you have weasel carcasses to contribute, please contact Rob Lonsinger (information below) to coordinate submission. Depending on your location, carcasses may be dropped off at a MN DNR Wildlife office, furbearer registration days, or alternative arrangements can be made.

If you are interested in contributing weasel carcasses, please complete the following form

* Indicates required field

First Name *

Last Name *

County *

Would you like to receive storage bags for weasel carcasses? *

Yes No

If yes, how many bags would you like? *

Contact Information

Please enter your address. This information will be used to send storage bags and/or to notify you of the sample submission location or options.

Address *

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City

State

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Email *

Phone Number *

Submit Location

For additional information, please contact:
Rob Lonsinger
Research Wildlife Biologist
U.S. Geological Survey, Oklahoma Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit
[email protected]
405-744-9841