The American Mink: A Small and Mighty Swimmer
The American Mink is a member of the weasel family. These animals are famous for their very soft fur and their love of the water. Even though they look cute and cuddly, they are very brave and active animals.
Where in the World? (Range)
You can find the American Mink all across North America. They live in almost every part of the United States and Canada. They choose to live in places where there is plenty of water and woods.
Homes Near the Water (Habitat)
Minks are never far from a lake, river, or stream. They like to live along the shoreline. They make their homes, called dens, in hollow logs or under large rocks. Sometimes they even move into old dens that were made by muskrats.
Size and Weight
A mink has a long, skinny body that helps it slide into small spaces. An adult is usually about 12 to 18 inches long. That is similar to the size of a ruler or a loaf of bread. They are very light and usually weigh about the same as a small carton of milk.
Growing Up (Life Cycle)
Baby minks are called kits. They are born in the spring inside a cozy den lined with grass and fur. When they are first born, they are tiny and their eyes are closed. They stay with their mother for the summer to learn how to hunt and swim before they go off on their own in the fall.
What Is for Dinner? (Diet)
Minks are carnivores. This means they only eat meat. They are very good at finding food on land and in the water. They eat fish, frogs, and crayfish from the water. On land, they hunt for mice, rabbits, and birds.
Special Skills (Adaptations)
The mink has special features to help it live a "double life" on land and in water.
Waterproof Fur: Their thick fur has special oils that keep their skin dry while they swim.
Webbed Toes: They have skin between their toes that works like a paddle to help them push through the water.
Night Vision: Their eyes are very good at seeing in the dark which helps them hunt at night.
Staying Safe (Predators)
Minks must stay alert to stay safe. Larger animals like Great Horned Owls, foxes, and bobcats are their main predators. Minks use their speed and their ability to dive deep underwater to hide from these animals.
Saving the Mink (Conservation Status)
Right now, there are many American Minks in the wild. Scientists say they are of "Least Concern." This means they are not in danger of disappearing. We can help them stay safe by keeping our rivers and lakes clean and healthy.
Fun Facts
Purring: Just like a pet cat, a mink can make a happy purring sound when it is content.
Winter Fun: Minks do not sleep through the winter. They love to slide on their bellies through the snow to get from place to place.
Super Divers: A mink can dive as deep as 10 feet under the water to find a tasty snack.
American Mink Photos
