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       SHIKAOI, Hokkaido -- Ermines in the mountains around Lake Shikaribetsu in this north Japan town have turned snow-white for winter.

       A Mustela erminea orientalis, a type of ermine, in white winter pelage is seen in Shikaoi, Hokkaido, on Nov. 18, 2021. (Mainichi/Taichi Kaizuka)

       The Mustela erminea orientalis, a species related to weasels, is about 20 centimeters long and has brown fur on its back during summer.

       This area is inhabited by Japanese pikas. When the population of Mustela erminea orientalis increases, the number of Japanese pikas decline, but Hiroki Matsumoto, a 48-year-old guide at Lake Shikaribetsu Nature-Center, said, "This is caused by the ecological balance every year."

       The nature center is calling on people not to damage plants in the area when observing the wild animals.

       (Japanese original by Taichi Kaizuka, Hokkaido Photo Group)

       In Photos: Hokkaido ermines don their white winter coats

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