Minks are semi-aquatic mammals. They belong to the Mustelidae family, which also includes weasels, otters, and ferrets. There are two main extant species: the American mink (Neogale vison) and the European mink (Mustela lutreola). They are primarily found near water sources.
Body and Size
Minks possess a long, slender body with short legs, a characteristic shared by many mustelids. Their body shape allows them to navigate various terrains and small burrows. An adult male mink typically measures between 13 to 18 inches (34 to 45 cm) in body length, while females are slightly smaller, ranging from 12 to 15 inches (31 to 37.5 cm). The tail adds a significant portion to their overall length, measuring about 6 to 10 inches (15.6 to 24.7 cm) for males and 6 to 8 inches (14.8 to 21.5 cm) for females. Male minks are notably heavier than females, with males weighing between 1 to 3 pounds (500 to 1,580 g) and females typically 1 to 2 pounds (400 to 780 g) in winter.
Fur and Facial Characteristics
Fur and Coloration
A mink’s fur is dense and soft, featuring a thick underfur overlaid with glossy, protective guard hairs. This pelage is water-resistant, an adaptation for their semi-aquatic lifestyle. The common coloration for wild minks is a rich dark brown, which can appear almost black, especially along the back and at the tail tip. Many minks also exhibit a distinctive white patch of fur, often found on the chin or throat, and sometimes on the chest or belly.
Facial Features and Adaptations
Their facial features include a broad, low head, small, rounded ears, small, dark eyes, and a pointed muzzle. Their five clawed toes on each foot are partially webbed, aiding their swimming abilities. The tail is typically bushy and often darker than the body.
Telling Minks Apart
Distinguishing minks from other mustelids like weasels and ferrets involves observing several key differences. Minks are generally larger and stouter than most weasel species. Unlike some weasels, mink fur does not typically change to white in winter. Minks also have partially webbed feet, a feature not present in weasels. Ferrets, domesticated forms of the European polecat, share a similar body shape with minks but are typically lighter in color and lack the uniform dark brown fur of wild minks. European minks can be differentiated from American minks by the white markings on their faces; European minks consistently have white fur on both their upper and lower lips, whereas American minks usually only have it on the lower lip or chin. Farmed minks, bred for fur, can also be considerably larger and exhibit a wider range of color variations compared to their wild counterparts.