Editing Least weasel (section)

===Territorial and social behaviours===
[[File:Mustela nivalis (two, fighting).jpg|thumb|left|Two least weasels fighting]]
The least weasel has a typical mustelid territorial pattern, consisting of exclusive male ranges encompassing multiple female ranges. The population density of each territory depends greatly on food supply and reproductive success, thus the social structure and population density of any given territory is unstable and flexible.<ref>{{cite journal |author=Erlinge, S. |year=1974 |title=Distribution, territoriality and numbers of the Weasel ''Mustela nivalis'' in relation to prey abundance |journal=Oikos |volume=25 |issue=3 |pages=308–314 |jstor=3543948 |doi=10.2307/3543948 |bibcode=1974Oikos..25..308E}}</ref> Like the stoat, the male least weasel extends his range during spring or during food shortages. Its [[scent marking]] behaviour is similar to that of the stoat; it uses [[faeces]], [[urine]] and anal and dermal gland secretions, the latter two of which are deposited by anal dragging and body rubbing. The least weasel does not dig its own den, but nests in the abandoned burrow of another species such as a mole or rat.<ref name=h471>{{Harvnb|Harris|Yalden|2008|pp=471–472}}</ref> The burrow entrance measures about {{cvt|2.5|cm}} across and leads to the nest chamber located up to {{cvt|15|cm}} below ground. The nest chamber (which is used for sleeping, rearing kits and storing food) measures {{cvt|10|cm}} in diameter, and is lined with straw and the skins of the weasel's prey.<ref name=m277>{{Harvnb|Merritt|Matinko|1987|p=277}}</ref>

The least weasel has four basic vocalisations; a guttural hiss emitted when alarmed, which is interspersed with short screaming barks and shrieks when provoked. When defensive, it emits a shrill wail or squeal. During encounters between males and females or between a mother and kits, the least weasel emits a high-pitched trilling. The least weasel's way of expressing aggression is similar to that of the [[stoat]]. Dominant weasels exhibit lunges and shrieks during aggressive encounters, while subdominant weasels will emit submissive squeals.<ref name=h471/>