Mink:
The mink is a medium-sized slender, long-bodied
mammal somewhat similar to the weasel, except bigger. The mink has a
small, flattened head, a long neck, short legs, and a well-furred
tail. Ears are short and rounded. Color for both sexes is almost
entirely brown, with a white chin, and irregular white spots on the
throat, chest and belly. Total adult length ranges from 16 to 27
inches, with a weight of ` 1/4 to 3 1/4 pounds. Life expectancy in
the wild is only around 2 years.
The basic requirement for minks is a habitat with permanent water.
They will live on the banks of streams, rivers, shorelines of lakes,
marshes and ponds. Minks make their homes under the roots of trees,
under logs or stumps, in hollow trees, in muskrat burrows and
lodges. They dig a tunnel about 1 foot deep, into a nest chamber.
lined with grass, leaves, fur and/or feathers. Male minks have about
a 5 mile territorial range, with additional temporary den sites,
which are used by other traveling males (not at the same time).
Females have a smaller territorial area. Minks are chiefly
nocturnal, but will come out at other times of the day. They do not
hibernate. Minks are excellent swimmers, and can stay under water
for fairly long periods. They also climb trees well. Minks are
considered to be highly aggressive animals, often taking on much
bigger opponents. They kill with a bite to the neck region.
Food Preferences:
Predominantly carnivorous, preferring both aquatic
creatures, such as fish and crayfish, and terrestrials, such as
mice, rabbits, birds and muskrats. Most food is eaten soon after the
kill; some is cached for later.
Geographic Range:
Alaska south to Florida, except for desert
regions.
Enemies:
Humans, dogs, owls, foxes, coyotes, bobcats, parasitic worms, protozoa, lice, mites, ticks, fleas, neurological disorders, distemper.
