Page 105 - Atlas Of The World's Strangest Animals

AMERICAN MINK 105

Teeth
A set of long, dagger-like canine
teeth are used for grasping and
killing prey. Smaller, sharp
carnassials behind the canines
work like scissors to sheer
flesh from the bone.

Key Facts ORDER Carnivora / FAMILY Mustelidae /
GENUS & SPECIES Neovison vison

Weight Males: 570–1,090g (1.2–2.4Ib)
Females: 680–1,350g (1.5–3Ib)
Length Up to 43cm (16.9in)
Tail: Up to 23cm (9in)
Sexual maturity Average: 10 months
Breeding season January–April
Number of young 2–6

Gestation period 27–33 days
Breeding interval Yearly
Typical diet Fish and small mammals

Lifespan Up to 3 years in the wild;
12 in captivity

(c) 2011 Marshall Cavendish. All Rights Reserved.