Mink!

American Mink were originally only found in Alaska, Canada and most of the USA but in the late 1920s Mink were brought across the Atlantic and reared on commercial fur farms. Mink were first reported to be breeding wild in Britain in 1956, after animal rights activists released them from the farms. With no natural predators in the UK, Mink have now established themselves along many waterways in Britain and are regarded as vermin by many. In conservation terms, the main problem with mink has been their disastrous effect on Britains watervole population as well as posing a threat to many of the UKs ground nesting birds (they steal their eggs if given a chance). They are small and slim and can be quite ferocious which means their ability to hunt burrow-dwelling prey such as water voles is pretty good!

Category:

Pets & Animals

Tags:

• mink
• wildplaces
• wildlife
• filming
• wildlife trusts