Did you know LAX is an art gallery. How many flights does LAX offer daily. What architectural style is the Theme Building. Explore these intriguing facts about Los Angeles International Airport.
LAX: More Than Just an Airport
Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) is a bustling hub of activity, serving millions of passengers each year. But there’s more to this iconic airport than meets the eye. Let’s explore some fascinating facts about LAX that showcase its unique features and hidden gems.
The Star-Studded LAX PUP Program
One of the most heartwarming initiatives at LAX is its PUP (Pets Unstressing Passengers) program. This innovative service brings therapy dogs to the airport to help calm nervous travelers and create a more relaxing atmosphere. But it’s not just passengers who benefit from these furry friends.
Even celebrities can’t resist the charm of LAX’s therapy dogs. In a delightful encounter, actor Jeff Goldblum was spotted interacting with Vegas, one of the PUP program’s canine ambassadors. This unexpected meeting highlights how the program brings joy to travelers from all walks of life, creating memorable moments amidst the hustle and bustle of airport life.
Benefits of the LAX PUP Program:
- Reduces stress and anxiety for travelers
- Provides a comforting presence in a busy environment
- Offers a unique and positive airport experience
- Creates photo opportunities and social media moments
Expanding Horizons: LAX’s Growing Infrastructure
LAX is constantly evolving to meet the demands of modern air travel. A prime example of this growth is the expansion of the Tom Bradley International Terminal (TBIT). This ambitious project has significantly increased the airport’s capacity and improved passenger experience.
How many new boarding gates have been added to TBIT? The expansion has introduced 12 new gates, with plans for an additional six in the near future. This brings the total to an impressive 18 new gates, half of which are designed to accommodate larger, next-generation aircraft.
Key Features of TBIT’s Expansion:
- 18 total new gates upon completion
- 9 gates capable of handling larger aircraft
- Increased capacity for international flights
- Enhanced passenger amenities and services
LAX: An Unexpected Art Gallery
While most people associate airports with long lines and security checks, LAX has transformed itself into a surprising haven for art lovers. The airport has embraced its role as a cultural space by featuring temporary art exhibitions and installations throughout its terminals.
Where can you find art at LAX? There are 11 dedicated exhibition sites spread across Terminals 1, 2, 3, 6, 7, and the Tom Bradley International Terminal. These spaces showcase a diverse range of artworks, from paintings and sculptures to multimedia installations.
One notable example is the oil painting series “Tathata” by Randall Von Bloomberg, which was displayed in the Departures Level Connector between Terminals 7 and 8. This exhibit invited travelers to transcend their surroundings and immerse themselves in natural landscapes and urban environments, providing a moment of reflection amidst their journey.
Art at LAX: Quick Facts
- 11 exhibition sites across multiple terminals
- Rotating displays of temporary art exhibitions
- Diverse range of artistic mediums represented
- Provides cultural enrichment for travelers
A Shopper’s Paradise: Retail Therapy at LAX
For those who love to indulge in a bit of retail therapy before their flight, LAX has become a veritable shopping destination. The new Tom Bradley International Terminal alone boasts an impressive array of dining and retail options.
How many new outlets does TBIT offer? The terminal features almost 70 new dining and retail establishments, catering to a wide range of tastes and budgets. From luxury brands like Hugo Boss and Tumi to duty-free shops with exclusive offerings, TBIT has transformed the airport shopping experience.
The duty-free shops in TBIT go above and beyond to create a luxurious atmosphere. They offer services such as:
- Personal shopping consultants to help find the perfect gift
- Complimentary two-minute makeovers for travelers
- Free samplings of rare spirits and liqueurs
This commitment to high-end retail extends beyond TBIT. For example, Terminal 6 welcomed a new Tumi store, offering stylish and functional travel accessories to discerning passengers.
LAX by the Numbers: A Global Aviation Powerhouse
LAX’s importance in the global aviation landscape cannot be overstated. Its impressive statistics highlight its role as a crucial hub for both domestic and international travel.
What is LAX’s ranking among the world’s busiest airports? LAX holds the distinction of being the 5th busiest airport in the world and the 2nd busiest in the United States. This ranking reflects the sheer volume of passengers and flights that pass through its terminals each day.
LAX Flight Statistics:
- 692 daily flights to 85 domestic cities
- 928 weekly nonstop flights to 67 cities in 34 countries
- 59 passenger air carriers operate at LAX
These numbers underscore LAX’s vital role in connecting Los Angeles to the rest of the world, facilitating business, tourism, and cultural exchange on a massive scale.
Culinary Delights: LAX’s Evolving Dining Scene
Gone are the days when airport food was synonymous with bland, overpriced meals. LAX has embraced the culinary revolution, offering travelers a diverse array of dining options that rival those found in the city’s best restaurants.
Westfield, a key partner in LAX’s transformation, is spearheading the introduction of 18 new dining and retail destinations in Terminal 6. This expansion includes 11 concepts from the Los Angeles area and 13 concepts that are entirely new to LAX, bringing a local flavor to the airport’s culinary landscape.
One standout addition to the dining scene is the Petrossian Caviar and Champagne Bar in the Tom Bradley International Terminal. This luxurious establishment offers travelers the opportunity to indulge in a high-end “picnic at 33,000 feet” with its on-the-go picnic basket sets. These carefully curated sets include premium caviar, champagne, and cheese, allowing passengers to elevate their in-flight dining experience to new heights.
Highlights of LAX’s Culinary Offerings:
- 18 new dining and retail destinations in Terminal 6
- 11 Los Angeles-area concepts, showcasing local flavors
- 13 concepts new to LAX, bringing fresh dining experiences
- Luxury options like the Petrossian Caviar and Champagne Bar
The Iconic Theme Building: A Glimpse into Architectural History
No discussion of LAX would be complete without mentioning its most recognizable landmark: the Theme Building. This striking structure has become synonymous with the airport and represents a significant piece of Los Angeles’ architectural heritage.
What architectural style does the Theme Building represent? The Theme Building is a prime example of the Mid-Century modern style known as Googie architecture. This futuristic design movement, which originated in Southern California, is characterized by its space-age forms and bold use of angles and curves.
Key Facts About the Theme Building:
- Opened in 1961, capturing the optimism and forward-thinking spirit of the era
- Resembles a flying saucer, reflecting the space-age fascination of the time
- Named a Los Angeles Historical-Cultural Monument in 1993
- Serves as the most iconic symbol of LAX
The Theme Building’s unique design, with its parabolic arches and circular restaurant pod, continues to captivate visitors and serve as a visual representation of Los Angeles’ innovative spirit and connection to the aerospace industry.
LAX: A Gateway to Los Angeles and Beyond
As we’ve explored these fascinating facts about LAX, it becomes clear that this airport is much more than a transit point. It’s a microcosm of Los Angeles itself – diverse, innovative, and constantly evolving.
From its commitment to reducing stress through therapy dogs to its embrace of local art and cuisine, LAX strives to provide a uniquely Los Angeles experience to travelers from around the world. Its expanding infrastructure and impressive flight statistics underscore its importance as a global aviation hub, while landmarks like the Theme Building serve as reminders of the city’s rich architectural heritage.
Whether you’re a frequent flyer or an occasional traveler, there’s always something new to discover at LAX. The next time you find yourself at this bustling airport, take a moment to appreciate the thoughtful design, diverse amenities, and hidden gems that make LAX truly one-of-a-kind.
As LAX continues to grow and adapt to the changing needs of modern air travel, it remains a vital gateway to the City of Angels and a reflection of the innovation and creativity that define Los Angeles. From its star-studded encounters to its world-class shopping and dining, LAX offers a glimpse into the vibrant culture and endless possibilities that await in the city beyond its runways.
10 Things You Probably Didn’t Know About LAX
by
Discover Los Angeles
Mar 14, 2019
LAX Gateway | Photo courtesy of LAX, Facebook
Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) is more than just an airport! Did you know these tidbits about LAX?
We can’t tell who is more star struck, LAX PUP Vegas or Actor Jeff Goldblum! Both had a PAWsome time visiting with each other before Jeff’s flight! Information on the LAX PUP program: http://www.lawa.org/welcome_LAX.aspx?id=7478. #LAXGems [PIC]: LAWA #LAXPups #LAX #FlyLAXAirport #Travel #Puppy #Dog #TherepyDog #JeffGoldblum #Cute #StrikeaPose
A photo posted by LAX airport (@flylaxairport) on Oct 27, 2014 at 10:46am PDT
Four new boarding gates are now open in the new Tom Bradley International Terminal (TBIT) for a total of 12 new gates! Six more new gates will be landing in new TBIT soon for a grand total of 18. Half will accommodate larger, new generation aircraft. Stay tuned! LAWA #laxishappening #flyLAXairport #avgeek #aviation #travel #airport #losangeles #aircraft #airbus #boeing #ig #instahub #instalike #newtbit
A photo posted by LAX airport (@flylaxairport) on Jan 6, 2015 at 4:05pm PST
3. LAX is not an ordinary airport – it’s also an art gallery. The airport has transformed some of its public spaces into art spaces by featuring temporary art exhibitions and installations as part of its expansion and renovation. There are 11 exhibition sites located in Terminals 1, 2, 3, Tom Bradley International Terminal, 6, and 7.
Transcend through the natural landscapes and urban environment with Randall Von Bloomberg oil paintings “Tathata” in the Departures Level Connector between Terminals 7 and 8. On exhibit until Feb. 2016. [PIC] Panic Studio L.A. #artatlax #losangeles #flylaxairport #travel #art #artexhibit #culture #ig #artwork #artist
A photo posted by LAX airport (@flylaxairport) on Nov 18, 2015 at 8:14pm PST
4. LAX’s new Tom Bradley International Terminal has almost 70 new dining and retail outlets. Live the life of luxury and shop at places like Hugo Boss, Tumi and more. Duty Free Shops in TBIT have shopping consultants ready to help travelers find the perfect gift, two minute complimentary makeovers for travelers, and complimentary samplings of rare spirits and liqueurs.
Another luxury retail collection has landed! Say hello to @tumitravel, featuring stylish yet ultra-functional travel bags, suitcases and accessories, where you’re sure to find the perfect travel companion! Find at Terminal 6. #LAXisHappening [PIC]: LAWA #tumi #Travel #LosAngeles #tbit #Instahub #instagood #ig #flyLAXairport #lax
A photo posted by LAX airport (@flylaxairport) on Jul 28, 2015 at 10:04pm PDT
5. LAX is the 5th busiest airport in the world and the 2nd busiest in the United States. LAX offers 692 daily flights to 85 domestic cities and 928 weekly nonstop flights to 67 cities in 34 countries on 59 passenger air carriers.
A beautiful Los Angeles sunset welcomes you! What are your waiting for? The City of Angels is waiting for you! Tag your amazing LAX airplane photos #TuesdayTakeOff for a chance to be in our galleries [PIC] @jamescarrollla #flyLAXAirport #Travel #Sunset #Beautiful #PlanePic #Airport #KLAX #Aviation #AvGeek #Runway #Instahub #LosAngeles #GoodAfternoon
A photo posted by LAX airport (@flylaxairport) on Apr 14, 2015 at 12:52pm PDT
6. Westfield is working on 18 new dining and retail destinations – including 11 L.A.-area concepts and 13 concepts new to LAX – that will come to Terminal 6. Now open at TBIT is Petrossian Caviar and Champagne Bar, where travelers can treat themselves to a fancy picnic at 33,000 feet with the on-the-go picnic basket set with caviar, champagne and cheese that will delight all palates!
Champagne with Royal Transmontanus Caviar with Toast Points from @petrossianwesthollywood at Tom Bradley International Terminal at @flyLAXairport. The perfect way to kick off your flight! #petrossianwesthollywood #WestfieldLAX #LAX #dineLA | RG: @petrossianwesthollywood
A photo posted by #dineLA (@dinela) on Nov 20, 2015 at 12:02pm PST
7. The Theme Building is a landmark of the Mid-Century architecture style known as Googie. The Theme Building was named a Los Angeles Historical-Cultural Monument in 1993 and it opened in 1961.
The Theme Building is the most iconic symbol of @flylaxairport. The mid-century modern structure resembles a flying saucer and is a famous example of Googie architecture. What’s your #LAstory? Tag your photos #LAstory for a chance to be featured. Photo by @6foot7evan #discoverla #potd
A photo posted by #LAstory (@discoverla) on Jul 16, 2015 at 9:34am PDT
8. There are more than 85 places to eat throughout LAX – you’ll never go hungry!
Terminal 2 keeps getting better and better! @Slapfish Modern Seafood Shack and @SeaLegsWineBar are now open. Feast on succulent fish tacos or indulge on delectable eats and luxury beverages. Bon appetit! [PIC] LAWA/TripAdvisor/Food Enthusiast Magazine #Yummy #Foodie #Liquor #Tasty #FishTaco #Wine #Food #flyLAXairport #Delish #Lunch #Dinner #AirportFood
A photo posted by LAX airport (@flylaxairport) on Jul 7, 2015 at 11:35am PDT
9. Eat a delicious In-N-Out burger while watching planes land. There’s so much to do near LAX! Discover 9 other things to do near the airport here.
LAX plane spotting with a side of an @innout Burger Double Double animal style is the perfect way to spend your day!. Share your cool LAX photos with #LAXPhotoWeek for a chance to be in our galleries! #regram @nickyoungphotos flyLAXairport #innout #LosAngeles #instafood #AvGeek #Aviation #travel #PlaneSpotting #doubledouble #NomNom
A photo posted by LAX airport (@flylaxairport) on May 22, 2015 at 5:16pm PDT
10. There are more than 40 hotels located close to the airport.
We’re making the airport hotel cool again.
A photo posted by Custom Hotel (@customhotellax) on Apr 23, 2014 at 7:51pm PDT
Woof! Say hello to Finley, a Peke-A-Poo boy from Marina del Rey and, one of the newest #LAXPUPs (Pets Unstressing Passengers)! At five-years old, Finley loves going anywhere with his mom. Look out for him in the terminals wearing his red “Pet Me” vest and you’ll be sure to get lots of hugs! Have you met any of the LAX PUPs yet? #LAXPUPlove [PIC] #flylax #therapydogs #woof #ig #instagood #dogsofinstagram #travel #airport #hugs #losangeles #destress
A post shared by LAX airport (@flylaxairport) on
The LAX Pets Unstressing Passengers (PUP) program provides stress relief and comfort to LAX passengers. You’ll see furry friends walking around the airport interacting with fliers! Therapy dogs and handlers roam the departure levels in the gate areas of every terminal.
Thank you to @airportrevenuenews for awarding LAX “Airport with The Best Overall Program” and “Best Program Design, Large Airport Division” for the dining and retail program design and passenger services in the new Tom Bradley International Terminal (TBIT) and Terminals 2 and 6. Enjoy the world-class experience on your next travels! [PIC] c: Westfield #flylax #lax #laxairport #losangeles #airport #celebrate #congrats #arn #dining #design #TBIT #laxishappening #progress #enjoy #instagood #ig
A post shared by LAX airport (@flylaxairport) on
The new Tom Bradley International Terminal (TBIT) is part of the largest public works project in the history of Los Angeles. It reopened in 2013 after a $1.9-billion renovation.
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Discover Los Angeles
7 Things You Might Not Know About Los Angeles International (LAX)
Los Angeles International, commonly known as LAX, is one of the busiest airports in the world. Since its launch back in 1928, it has grown to be a crucial hub for all major US airlines, as well as many international carriers. If you’re an LAX regular, perhaps we can surprise you with some of these interesting facts…
1 It was originally called Mines Field
In 1926, Los Angeles began looking for a location for an airfield to support the fledgling aviation industry. A real estate agent called William Mines promoted a site south of Westchester, and the airport was born. It was called Mines Field after the agent.
It opened on October 1st, 1928, with a dirt runway and not much else. In 1930, the dirt runway was upgraded to an oiled decomposed granite surface, capable of being used year-round, and it was renamed Los Angeles Municipal Airport.
Photo: Los Angeles World Airports
2 The X is meaningless
Before the 1930s, Los Angeles airport was known only by a two-letter designator – LA. As aviation grew, it became clear that, as two letters only allowed a few hundred combinations, more letters were needed.
IATA introduced the three-letter code in the 1960s, allowing for a massive 17,000+ combinations. As such, Los Angeles had the X added, but it doesn’t have any specific meaning.
3 It has an official song
“LA International Airport,” written by Leanne Scott, was first recorded by David Frizzell in 1970. It was later covered by country music legend Susan Raye, and became one of the biggest cross-over hits of the 70s. Raye performed the song in August 2003 to celebrate the 75th anniversary of the airport, and the City of Los Angeles presented a proclamation to make the hit the official song of LAX.
4 There is a hidden underground tunnel at LAX
According to Vanity Fair, there is a secret subterranean tunnel located somewhere on Century Boulevard, reserved for use by A-list celebrities. High-profile arrivals can book to be met on the tarmac by a Porsche hybrid to whisk them out of the airport with zero paparazzi intrusion.
5 It spends $9 million on banned item disposal each year
According to a report in Bloomberg, LAX security spends around $9 million each year on disposing of confiscated items. Things like water bottles, aerosols and cosmetics over the size limit need to be stored and then discarded safely. With gels, liquids and aerosols, the airport can’t take for granted that the contents are what it says on the label, so has to discard such items at a special hazardous waste site, leading to high costs.
Photo: London City Airport
6 It is home to a rare butterfly
The El Segundo blue butterfly only lives in three fragments of habitat, the largest of which is at LAX. It originated in the El Segundo sand dunes, which historically covered just 4.5 square miles. However, loss of habitat through urbanization, as well as the loss of its hostplant, the seacliff buckwheat, have made this a very isolated and endangered species.
Photo: Los Angeles World Airports
At LAX, the habitat of the butterfly population is being actively managed, with steps being taken to increase hostplant numbers and protect the remaining habitat.
7 It is also home to the infamous ‘jetpack man’
Over the course of the past three years, there have been several sightings of a man in a jetpack flying close to LAX. In September 2020, multiple pilots reported seeing a jetpack man on approach to LAX, flying at around 3,000 feet. Six weeks later, China Airlines pilots also reported seeing a similar phenomenon at around 6,000 feet.
More sightings were reported in 2020, and again in the summer of 2021. Thoughts are that it could be a human-shaped drone, but nobody knows for sure. There haven’t been any sightings reported in 2023, so hopefully, whatever it was has stopped its shenanigans.
Do you know any other interesting facts about LAX? Let us know in the comments!
Sources: Vanity Fair
Interesting facts about weasel | ZooBlog
Photo: www.countrylife.co.uk
Weasels are small, carnivorous, short-legged mammals from the weasel family. They are similar in shape to ermines, ferrets and minks. We bring to your attention some of the most amazing facts about these active and ferocious predators:
- Weasels have a thin, elongated body with a small, flat, triangular head. They have small, rounded ears, but large eyes and a pointed muzzle with long whiskers. Their back, top of the head, outer parts of the limbs, sides and tail are usually chestnut brown, gray or black, and the underparts are white or yellow.
Photo: www.northamericannature.com
- Weasel is the smallest representative of the Carnivora order (Predatory). The largest member of this order, the polar bear, can outweigh over 5,000 weasels combined! Usually the length of an adult is only 20-27 cm. Even the largest male is unlikely to weigh more than 250 grams, and a small female can weigh only 50 grams.
- A weasel’s head is the widest part of its body, and if it can fit its head into the hole, the rest of it won’t get stuck.
- They are often confused with the stoat, although the weasel is smaller and has a shorter tail without a thick black tip.
- Voles, jerboas, mice, shrews and lemmings are the main prey of the weasel. The small size allows the predator to follow the rodents into their underground burrows. The animal is also able to catch larger prey, such as a young hare or a mole. It also preys on insects, lizards, birds and their eggs.
Photo: www.robertefuller.com
- Weasels are always hungry due to their extremely high metabolism. They need to eat about a third of their weight daily.
- They perform a “hypnotic dance” after cornering a victim. Weasels circle and jump around their prey, distracting and confusing them.
- Weasels live alone and come together only for mating. Like ferrets, they sometimes build colonies.
- Weasels are found throughout the Northern Hemisphere. Large populations are found in Scandinavia, Great Britain, Russia, Canada, the USA and the countries of North Africa.
- Because of their broad diet, weasels can survive in most habitats provided there is plenty of prey and shelter from larger predators. Weasels are rarely out in the open for long periods of time, and spend most of their time hunting under the cover of tall grass, hedges, and other vegetation.
Photo: Ashley Buttle/Flickr
- Weasels are sometimes kept as pets, however, it should be remembered that they are not tame and can be very aggressive, although they are the closest relative of ferrets.
- Weasels are territorial and regularly patrol a personal area of about 8 hectares. Males and females live in different territories, although sometimes they overlap a little. Animals usually have several different lairs that they visit at different intervals.
- Weasels are mostly active at night. They are very agile climbers and excellent swimmers. In one night, the animal in search of prey is able to cover a distance of up to 2 km.
- Weasels kill their prey with a single bite to the back of the head. They often store surplus food in hiding places at the entrance of one of their burrows.
- Weasels tend to move on the ground in short, looping jumps of 25-30 cm, often stopping to stand on their hind legs and survey their surroundings.
- In populations living in high latitudes, many species of weasels molt in winter, becoming white with black fur at the tip of the tail.
Photo: Magalie St-Hialire Poulin
- You will hardly hear any sounds from petting. This is a very silent animal. Individuals hoot only during the mating season and when communicating with cubs. Sensing danger, weasel begins to hiss.
- Weasels reach sexual maturity at the age of 1-2 years. The female often organizes a breeding nest in the burrow of a previously eaten vole or mouse.
- Pregnancy (or gestation) lasts approximately 1 month, and the female usually raises one litter of 3-6 pups annually, although some raise two litters a year.
- Cubs are born naked, blind and deaf. Weaning occurs after three to four weeks. Hunting behavior is formed by eight weeks, and the offspring disperse after about 9-12 weeks.
- Some weasels reproduce by delayed implantation. Although mating occurs in early summer, the fertilized egg is not immediately implanted in the female’s uterus, but lingers in her body until the following spring, when the prey population increases.
- At the base of the weasel’s tail are glands that secrete a liquid substance with a rather unpleasant odor.
- They are hunted by foxes, owls, kestrels and cats. The threat is also posed by the traps that the huntsmen set for stoats, which pose a great danger to wild birds.
- The average lifespan of weasels in the wild is one year, although under favorable conditions they can live up to 5 years.
- In Greek culture, the weasel was considered an unhappy bride who was turned into a small animal, so finding her near the house was considered a sign of impending bad luck. In North America, Native Americans considered crossing the weasel path an ill omen, followed by misfortune or imminent death.
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Weasel: interesting facts and misconceptions
wikimedia.org
There are two main misconceptions about the name of this animal. The first is found among people unfamiliar with the nature of this little predator. They believe that the animal was named so because it is affectionate. The second is characteristic of many zoologists, who think that they called the little predator such a pleasant name for its ability to climb dexterously; hence the “laska”, which later turned into a “weasel”.
In fact, the word “ weasel ” is formed from the Russian (dialect) las – “gourmet”, bald – “delicious to something”, “eager”.
One amusing misconception of past years is connected with kindness. So, there was a belief that at night the horses standing in the stable were tormented by the brownie. Allegedly, he braids their manes, tickles, and sometimes brings them to white heat. It used to happen that the owner would enter the stable in the morning and see that the horse was all in “soap”. To combat the brownies in the villages, they used a tried and tested remedy – a goat, which allegedly all evil spirits are afraid of. However, this did not help either. And then one day, the famous Russian zoologist Manteuffel caught this “brownie” on horseback. In the tangled mane of the animal was a weasel. So the “brownie” was rehabilitated.
Interesting fact!
When a weasel runs along the scruffs and backs of horses that are terribly afraid of her, they try to throw the animal off themselves and sweat a lot from this. Licking sweat, weasel receives the necessary mineral salts.
pixabay.com
And one more common opinion, which turned out to be not entirely accurate. It is widely believed among scientists that the weasel leads a solitary lifestyle. It is believed that since these predators are so closely related to rodents and eat so many of them, it means that they must compete with each other for food and cannot live side by side. In fact, although contacts between animals are not so frequent, nevertheless they exist, which is quite natural and necessary for the life of any species. The most characteristic between caresses, especially unfamiliar, aggressive manifestations. Having met for the first time, the animals cling to each other’s necks with their teeth, kick with short legs and, squealing, roll on the ground with a ball . Such fights among weasels are often observed when studying their behavior in laboratories. In nature, they probably occur less often. After all, the animals living in some territory are familiar with each other and try to avoid collisions. This is also confirmed by experimental observations.
flickr.com
Where weasels live
They are found on all continents of the Northern Hemisphere: in Europe, North Asia and North America.
Weasel wool is expensive, as weasels are rare in Europe. But in Russia, the skins of weasels are of little value, since they live everywhere even in the north, with the exception of the northern, Kuril and Commander Islands.
Weasel lives in fields and forests, in mountainous and lowland areas, not avoiding populated areas. It settles under stones, in hollows, in ruins, in burrows, barns, haystacks, etc. For breeding, it arranges a nest in the hole of some rodent. The nest is lined with dry grass, moss, chestnut and fern leaves.
flickr.com
About the appearance of weasels
Weasels are the smallest carnivores in the world . The body length of males does not exceed 25 cm, and their weight is no more than 250 g. The body length and weight of females are two times less.
The weasel moves in jumps 25–30 cm long. The body of the weasel is thin and long, with short paws armed with very sharp claws.
In summer fur the top of the head, back, sides, tail and outer sides of the paws are of the same color brownish brown . The throat, edge of the upper lip, chest, belly and inner surface of the legs are pure white. In autumn, the weasel, with the exception of some southern habitats, replaces summer brown attire with pure white winter fur . The density of the fur is the same in summer and winter, but summer hair is shorter and thinner than winter.
flickr.com
flickr.com
Lifestyle and nutrition of weasels
In the wild, weasels can live up to 5 years, but the average duration life does not exceed 1 year. Weasels often form colonies.
Weasel is a silent animal, and it makes sounds infrequently. During games, courtship, as well as in the case of calling cubs by mothers, the weasel hums – it emits a high tremolo. Being dissatisfied or being in danger, the weasel hisses, and when attacking, it chirps and chirps.
Weasel is very agile and agile, runs fast, climbs and swims well, is distinguished by great courage and aggressiveness and is a dangerous enemy for all small animals.
Interesting fact!
Weasel has one peculiarity – it cannot stop killing. Her predatory instincts can’t be turned off.
The fact is that the weasel has an accelerated metabolism, which is why she has to eat more than a third of her own weight every day – and this is up to 10 meals a day!
Its diet consists of house, field and forest mice, shrews, voles, rats, jerboas, moles, young rabbits, chickens, pigeons, as well as lizards, copperheads, snakes, even vipers, frogs, insects.
Despite its small size, the weasel is capable of killing a rabbit 5-10 times its own weight. Young rabbits become an important food source in the spring, when small rodents are scarce and rabbits are plentiful.
Interesting fact!
With an excess of food, the weasel often kills more than it can eat, making food reserves. Weasels can store up to 50 corpses of their victims!
pixabay.com
flickr.com
wikimedia.org
In places where it is not pursued, the weasel hunts day and night. By exterminating mice, it brings great benefits, which, in any case, outweigh the harm it sometimes brings to chicken coops.
Owners of chickens are familiar with the weasel – it can raid chicken coops, ruthlessly exterminating its inhabitants. This “cute” predator usually strangles the victim, but sometimes tears it to shreds. Weasel has very sharp teeth, which allows her to easily kill a chicken or a small goose. After the appearance of affection in the poultry house, you can see several dozen killed chickens and chickens.
Weasel sometimes successfully fights off even relatively large birds of prey (for example, kites).
Interesting fact!
In ancient Rome and early medieval Europe, the weasel, along with the marten, was a domestic animal, as it hunted mice. However, due to the poor tameability of the weasel and, to a greater extent, the appearance in Europe of the gray rat, which was difficult for the weasel to cope with, other animals replaced it as a protector of stocks in this role – ferrets (ferret), cats and, for some period , also genets.
Weasel is the most bloodthirsty killer
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Laska in business