A lucky explorer encountered a rare and delightful sight yesterday – a shy ‘ballottra’, or Maltese weasel – and managed to capture the elusive creature on camera.

Benny Scerri shared the photos on the local Facebook group ‘Birds and Nature in Malta’, in which the weasel, scientifically known as Mustela nivalis, is seen curiously peeking out from behind some twigs.

The photographer chose not to disclose the exact location, likely to protect the animal from potential harm by trappers, but it’s clear the photos were taken during the day. While primarily nocturnal, the Maltese weasel is also known to be quite active during the day.

Despite its adorable appearance, the weasel is known as the world's smallest carnivore, and can actually be fairly brutal in its attacks of its prey - as was once spotted in a weasel attack on a rat, filmed by a shocked onlooker in Bingemma.

Although this native species can grow up to 20 cm in length, its secretive nature makes sightings extremely rare. However, many Maltese will recognize this adorable creature from the country's old one-cent coin!

Have you ever seen a weasel in Malta?