Biology Reference
In-Depth Information
THE MINK
Curiously, and uncharacteristically for most members of the weasel family, little in the way of folk
myths and erroneous beliefs seem to have sprung up concerning the mink
(Mustela vison).
Why this is
so is anyone's guess. Although infrequently seen, even in rural areas, the mink is widespread and com-
mon. Its range encompasses all of North America save Mexico, the Southwestern United States, and
the Arctic reaches of Canada.
Mink are almost the same size as marten, though they are very slightly shorter and heavier. The
differences make sense: the marten's light weight enables it to leap along slender branches, while the
mink's body, just a bit stockier, works well for one who spends much of its time in the water. Con-
sidered semiaquatic, mink function well in an aquatic environment, although they lack the adaptations
of their big cousins, the otters (see below). Good swimmers, mink lack the necessary lung power for
sustained dives, and usually are submerged for only five to twenty seconds. Moreover, the mink's eyes
are incompletely adapted for underwater vision. Consequently, mink spend much of their time foraging
along the edges of streams and marshes, both in and out of the shallows, rather than diving after fish.
Frogs, salamanders, crayfish, and other aquatic creatures make up a good share of a mink's diet, with
an occasional fish thrown in for good measure. Muskrats are also a favorite prey of mink, which follow
them into their houses or burrows and there dispatch their hapless victims. In addition, mink prey on
baby ducklings whenever possible.
Although mink are at home in and under the water, they also spend much time hunting on land. Mice,
voles, rabbits, birds, eggs, and similar fare are all dinner for the mink while on land. Poultry also suffer
occasional depredation by mink, and more than one hen-coop massacre blamed on weasels can be laid
at the door of its semiaquatic cousin! Like weasels, mink engage in surplus killing and cache food; they
also emulate weasels in trailing by scent.
Despite their wide range, relative abundance, and considerable time spent traveling about on land,
mink are seldom seen. This is because they are primarily, though not completely, nocturnal.
Although mink are usually found near water, they're by no means wedded to it. Last winter I
happened to glance out one of our windows and was surprised to see a mink running along the edge of
our woods. We live a good quarter-mile from water, and the mink was headed in a direction where no
appreciable water can be found for at least another mile. This seemed to trouble the mink not at all as it
unconcernedly bounded on its way through the woods.
On another December day in a snowy forest, I found the typical two-step tracks of what I at first as-
sumed was a weasel. On closer inspection, however, the tracks seemed too large for a weasel. Although
the tracks came from an area where there was no water for a long distance, I became suspicious. Sure
enough, the tracks eventually led to a small brook, mostly frozen over after a spell of very cold weath-
er. There the tracks ended at a hole in the ice, about the diameter of a golf ball, its perimeter slightly
discolored and worn smooth by the track-maker's repeated use.
