Minks are small, carnivorous mammals belonging to the Mustelidae family, which also includes weasels and otters. They possess a long, slender body, short legs, and a dense, dark brown fur coat, often with a white patch on their chin or chest. Minks are semi-aquatic. Their physical characteristics, such as partially webbed feet and a water-resistant coat, enable them to thrive in diverse environments.
Global Distribution of Minks
The American mink (Neogale vison) is native to most of North America, from Florida to Alaska, excluding arid southwestern regions and some Arctic coastal areas.
In contrast, the European mink (Mustela lutreola) is native to Europe, though its historical range has significantly contracted. Once spanning from northern Spain eastward to the Ural Mountains in Russia, its current native distribution is now limited to isolated populations. These remaining European mink populations are primarily found in parts of northern Spain and southwestern France, the Danube River delta, and western Russia.
Preferred Habitats and Environments
Minks generally inhabit areas close to water. They prefer wetland habitats, including streams, rivers, ponds, and coastal areas, where there is sufficient brushy or rocky cover. This strong association with aquatic environments is due to their diet, which largely consists of aquatic prey like fish, frogs, and crustaceans, alongside small mammals and birds.
Dense vegetation along these waterways provides crucial cover for hunting and protection from predators. Minks establish dens in burrows in riverbanks, hollow logs, tree stumps, or rock crevices. These dens often have multiple entrances and a nesting chamber lined with materials for warmth and dryness.
Mink Populations Beyond Native Ranges
The American mink has established populations in many parts of Europe, Asia, and South America, far beyond its native North American range. These populations originated primarily from escapes or deliberate releases from fur farms, which were established globally due to the mink’s popularity for its fur. As a result, the American mink is now considered an invasive species in many of these introduced regions.
Its spread has been observed across Northern and Western Europe, including:
- Baltic States
- France
- Germany
- Iceland
- Poland
- Scandinavia
- Spain
- United Kingdom
In South America, populations have been noted in the Patagonia region and Chiloé Island in Chile. This expansion of the American mink has contributed to the decline of native species, including the European mink, in areas where their ranges now overlap.