Eco-Postcards

This is the American mink, and it's the cute little relative of the otter. A member of the weasel family that also goes by the scientific name Neovison vison, mink are found throughout most of the United States and in Canada. They are also found in the UK, where they are considered an invasive species after they escaped from fur farms back in the 60's. Mink are tiny little guys, on average under 3 pounds and under 2 feet long. They're known for their glossy brown coats and have historically been bred for their fur. They also have distinctive patches of white under their chins that help distinguish them from other members of the weasel family.

Mink are nocturnal creatures that can most often be found living along the edges of streams and rivers where they make their dens. Sometimes mink will just move into abandoned dens of beavers or muskrats. If you happen to see a mink out and about during the daytime, keep your distance: sometimes they spray an awful smelling liquid similar to skunks, though they can't aim the way skunks can. They're territorial animals that mark their specific territory with scent. The cutest fact about mink is that they'll purr like a cat when they're really happy!

With the exception of females and their young, mink are solitary creatures. Despite their small size, mink are actually top predators in aquatic food chains. Where there are mink, there is evidence that a food chain is fully functional. Mink can be aggressive, and males will fight if they enter each other's territory. With highly specialized teeth, mink are able to restrain prey easily and they kill by biting their prey on the neck. With their teeth and technique they are able to take down mammals that are bigger than they are. On the flip side, mink are the prey of foxes, coyotes and even owls. In the wild, mink often do not live longer four years.