Mink are small, dark-colored, semiaquatic mammals in the weasel family, valued historically and commercially for their soft, dense fur.
Basic definition
- Biologists use the name “mink” for two main living species: the American mink and the European mink, both mustelids related to weasels and otters.
- The word “mink” can also mean the animal’s pelt or fur, which ranges from white to very dark brown and is used in the fur industry.
Appearance and behavior
- Mink have long, slender bodies, short legs, partially webbed feet, and a bushy tail, with wild individuals usually brown to nearly black and often a small white patch on the chin or chest.
- They are carnivores that live near water, are strong swimmers, and mainly hunt small mammals, fish, amphibians, birds, and crustaceans, often at night.
Uses and impact
- Because their fur is very soft, thick, and durable, mink have been widely trapped and farmed for clothing and trim.
- Escaped farmed American mink have established wild populations in some regions, where they can threaten native wildlife such as water voles and ground-nesting birds.
