One of the most versatile and wide-ranging members of the weasel family, equally at home in wild wetlands and near human settlements. Native to North America, it was introduced to Europe, Russia, and parts of South America through the fur trade, and today it is found across two continents. Sleek, semi-aquatic, and opportunistic, the mink is a true survivor—a predator that has thrived in forests, marshes, rivers, and coastlines alike.
In appearance, the American mink is a handsome, medium-sized carnivore with a long, muscular body, short legs, and a thick tail. Its fur is dense, silky, and dark brown, often so glossy that it appears almost black. Some individuals have a small patch of white on the chin or chest. This luxurious coat made the mink one of the most sought-after animals in the fur industry, leading to the establishment of mink farms around the world.
But beyond its fur, the mink is fascinating for its semi-aquatic lifestyle. It is an excellent swimmer and diver, often hunting along riverbanks, ponds, and coastlines. Its diet is incredibly varied: fish, frogs, crayfish, waterbirds, rodents, and even rabbits fall prey to this agile hunter. The mink is a master of ambush, stalking quietly through reeds or slipping into the water with barely a ripple before striking with lightning speed. It is also known to cache food, storing surplus prey in burrows or under roots to eat later.
Minks are solitary and territorial, marking their ranges with strong-smelling secretions from their anal glands. Like other weasels, they are bold for their size, capable of tackling prey larger than themselves. They are mostly nocturnal, but in quiet areas, they can be seen during the day. In winter, their fur thickens dramatically, giving them superb insulation against cold northern climates.
Distribution
Argentina
Austria
Belarus
Belgium
Canada
Chile
Czechia
Denmark
Estonia
Finland
France
Germany
Greece
Hungary
Iceland
Ireland
Italy
Japan
Latvia
Lithuania
Luxembourg
Montenegro
Netherlands
Norway
Poland
Portugal
Romania
Russia
Serbia
Slovakia
Slovenia
Spain
Sweden
Ukraine
United Kingdom
United StatesAnything we've missed?
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Terrestrial / Aquatic
Altricial / Precocial
Polygamous / Monogamous
Dimorphic (size) / Monomorphic
Active: Diurnal / Nocturnal
Social behavior: Solitary / Pack / Herd
Diet: Carnivore / Herbivore / Omnivore / Piscivorous / Insectivore
Migratory: Yes / No
Domesticated: Yes / No
Dangerous: Yes / No
