American Mink

Rick McMeechan

Scientific Name

Mustela vision

Identification

• 5 lbs
• Small predator with a long body and small, rounded ears.
• Has soft dark brown fur, a white or yellow bib on its chest, and a whitish belly

Range and Habitat

American minks are distributed throughout much of North America, including Alaska, most of Canada and the US (except for dry regions in the southwest.) In the Great Plains region, minks live near streams, rivers, lakes, ponds, and wetlands. They have been known to utilize abandoned beaver dens or muskrat houses but may also burrow their own den.

Diet

Minks are fierce predators, and their carnivorous diet includes most animals that live in and near the water. Frogs, fish, mice, muskrats, earthworms, birds and their eggs, and even insects make up their diet.

Fun Facts

• Mink burrows are always found near water and can go up to 3 feet underground
• Unlike many small mammals, mink generally are not preyed on by larger predators. They occasionally fall victim to red and gray foxes, bobcats, or great horned owls.
• Look for mink tracks along stream banks, especially where there are small holes in the banks.

 

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