Mink are dark-colored, semiaquatic, carnivorous mammals that belong to the family Mustelidae, which also includes weasels, otters, and ferrets. There are two extant species referred to as "mink": the American mink and the European mink. The extinct sea mink was related to the American mink but was much larger. Here are some key facts about minks:
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Appearance: Minks are small, discreet, and most often nocturnal, and they live in close proximity to water. Both mink species measure about 30–50 cm (12–20 inches) in length, not including a 13–23-cm (5–9-inch) tail, and weigh 2 kg (4.5 pounds) or less; females are smaller. The coat is a deep rich brown, sometimes with white markings on the throat, chest, and underparts. The pelage consists of a dense soft underfur overlaid with dark and glossy guard hairs.
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Habitat: Minks are semiaquatic and live along waterways, including lakes, ponds, marshes, rivers, and streams.
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Diet: Minks are strictly carnivorous and will hunt a wide variety of animals, including fish, frogs, crayfish, muskrats, rabbits, and birds.
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Behavior: Minks are aggressive and often secretive animals. They can be quite ferocious when necessary and are even capable of killing animals much larger than themselves. They generally kill their prey by biting it in the neck. Minks will also sometimes fight each other in areas with high populations. When threatened, they can release a foul-smelling liquid from their anal scent glands. Minks move quickly on land and can also climb trees and swim. They can even hunt for food in the water, swimming as far as 100 feet and diving to depths of more than 15 feet. Their partially webbed feet help them get around in the water.
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Human uses: Minks are raised in captivity for their luxurious fur, which is used in the fur industry. American mink raised in captivity for fur are bred during early spring, and the harvest of their pelts occurs when the animals reach adult size and the pelts are at maximum quality—usually during winter when mink are 6–8 months old. During this period, ranch mink reach sizes that may exceed twice that of wild mink, because of better nutrition and selective breeding for size.
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Conservation status: The American mink is classified as a species of least concern by the International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources (IUCN) .
