Page 106 - Atlas Of The World's Strangest Animals

106 ATLAS OF THE WORLD’S STRANGEST ANIMALS

Predatory pest or born survivor? In recent years, the that, in many places, native European mink have been
loveable mink has earned itself an unenviable reputation. wiped out.Attempts are under way to introduce some
These attractive animals have long been trapped for their populations of European mink onto isolated islands,
fur, but intensive breeding on fur farms has proved to be where they can breed without competing directly with
just as contentious.While some conservationists argue that their American cousins, but Neovison vison is such a good
mink farming helps to protect wild populations from over- swimmer that this has proved difficult!
hunting, some farms have created other, unforeseen, In their native range, throughout Canada and the United
problems. In many parts of world, there are now States, these carnivores have been just as adaptable.They
populations of feral American mink, descended from those dislike dry, desert regions but otherwise they’ll tolerate
animals that managed to escape captivity. anything from Alaska’s chilly tundra to Florida’s steamy
The American mink (Neovison vison) occupies the same swamplands.They’re solitary and semi-aquatic by nature.
environmental niche as its European counterparts (Mustela For mink, the ideal home is beside a slow-running stream,
lutreola), but it is generally bigger and more aggressive. hidden by thick vegetation.They may dig their own
Mink are solitary animals that fight to defend their temporary burrows or take refuge in cavities in tree roots,
territory – and will kill if necessary.The result has been but often they’ll make use of dens vacated by other

Mink are born opportunists, happy to eat any animal –on land Clambering up to a handy perch gives our mink a better view
or in the water – that they can overpower. of the surrounding area.And just in time too!

Plunging straight from the branch into the cool waters below, With its prize clamped firmly in its jaws, the mink returns to
the mink catches a passing fish completely by surprise. dry land to enjoy his fish supper in peace.

(c) 2011 Marshall Cavendish. All Rights Reserved.