Meet China’s Fragrant Weasel

Meet the mountain weasel—China’s elusive, perfumed grassland resident! Known as the ‘fragrant weasel’ locally, this sleek creature secretes scented oils that give it a natural aroma, earning its quirky nickname.

Endemic to the Chinese mainland, these clever animals thrive in northwest China’s Qinghai Province, where they’ve mastered the art of real estate theft. Instead of building homes, they ‘borrow’ burrows from pikas (their favorite snack!), turning them into cozy hideouts. Talk about multitasking!

Found only on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, these weasels are key to maintaining grassland ecosystems. Their unique adaptations—like scent-marking territories—make them a fascinating study for wildlife enthusiasts. Who knew pest control could smell so good?

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Summer on the plateau: Weasel in the house

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