Minks are semi-aquatic mammals found across North America. These animals, part of the weasel family, dig holes. While capable excavators, minks frequently adapt existing structures for their dens.
Mink Burrowing Behavior
Minks dig holes to establish secure dens. These burrows provide shelter from predators and harsh weather, especially since minks remain active year-round. Dens offer a safe location for females to raise their young, known as kits, providing a protected nursery lined with soft materials like fur and feathers. Minks are skilled diggers, but they often prefer to modify existing burrows created by other animals, such as muskrats, beavers, rabbits, or woodchucks. They also use natural crevices like hollow logs, rock piles, or spaces under tree roots for shelter. This opportunistic behavior allows them to conserve energy while securing adequate living spaces near their hunting grounds.
Characteristics of Mink Burrows
Mink burrows are often located close to water sources like riverbanks, streams, or ponds. A common entrance is around 4 inches (10-15 cm) in diameter, fitting their slender bodies, with tunnels extending 10 to 12 feet (3 to 3.7 meters) in length and usually dug 2 to 3 feet (0.6 to 0.9 meters) below ground. Mink dens often feature multiple entrances, from one to eight, providing various escape routes. Inside, a nest chamber, approximately 1 foot (15-30 cm) in diameter, is commonly found at the tunnel’s end. This chamber is typically lined with dry vegetation, fur, and feathers.
Identifying Mink Diggings
Identifying mink diggings involves looking for specific signs. Mink tracks show five toes on each paw, though often only four are visible; these nearly round tracks (front prints approximately 1.7 x 1.8 inches, hind prints about 1.8 x 1.9 inches) are commonly found in soft soil or mud along water edges. Mink scat, or droppings, provides evidence of their presence; it is typically dark brown or black, cylindrical, 3 to 6 inches long, and often segmented or braided, frequently containing visible remnants of their diet like fur, bones, feathers, or crayfish parts, and has a strong, musky odor. Minks often deposit their scat on prominent spots like logs, rocks, or beaver dens near water to mark their territory. While other animals like polecats have similar tracks, the consistent presence of diggings and other signs near a water source strongly points to mink activity.