Haida Ermine | Haida Gwaii Wildlife Guide

The Haida ermine was long believed to be a subspecies of Mustela erminea, the ermines found commonly throughout Eurasia and northern North America. However, through two studies in 2013 and 2021, taxonomists determined that these ermines are a distinct species, Mustela haidarum. It is currently divided into three subspecies, with one on Prince of Wales Island and another on Suemez Island which are both located in southeast Alaska.

Haida ermines turn white during the winter even though snow rarely reaches the lower elevations of their range. In the summer they have reddish-brown upper and whitish lower parts. Their elongated skulls distinguish them from other ermine species.

Very little is known about these ermines, as they are extremely rare and difficult to spot. Fewer than 40 have been seen in 20 years of surveys, but their population is potentially as high as 1,000 across all the islands of Haida Gwaii. Their numbers are likely kept low overall by the native and endemic Pacific marten which compete with them for food and may also hunt them.

Know Before You Go