One of the 2 minks on WAnimals
Mammals · Carnivora · Mustelidae
American Mink
Neovison vison
Least Concern
The species is abundant and widely distributed; it faces no significant short-term risk.
The American mink is a semi-aquatic mustelid native to North America, farmed for fur since the early 20th century. Escapes and releases from those farms have made it one of the most damaging invasive species in Europe and southern South America. It is larger and more aggressive than the European mink, tolerates human presence better and eats almost anything: fish, waterbirds, rodents, crayfish. In Spain it is a direct threat to the European mink and to waterbird colonies.
Weight
500 g – 1.6 kg
Size
33 cm – 45 cm
Life expectancy
10 years
