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Mink

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Mustela vison
Mink

Range

Mink are found throughout the United States and Canada.

Habitat

They live in forests that border streams, lakes and ponds with brushy, rocky shores.

Body Traits

Their long, thin body and pointy face, is typical of the weasel family. They have a soft, dark coat with white on the throat and chest. They can be as long as 2 feet, but up to half of that can just be tail. Females are smaller than the males.

Habits

They are nocturnal, but are often active at dawn and dusk. They can swim and climb trees, and dig burrows at the edge of the water. They live alone, but may have many mates.

Diet

They feed on small mammals, birds, frogs, and crayfish.

Predators

Predators are otter and man.

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District subscriptions provide huge group discounts for their schools. Email for a quote: sheri@exploringnature.org.

Reproduction

Females are pregnant for 40-75 days (gestation), having up to 8 young in April or May.

Lifespan and/or Conservation Status

They live up to 10 years in the wild. They are listed as Lower Risk - least concern.

Mink

Classification

Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Subphylum: Vertebrata
Class: Mammalia
Order: Carnivora
Suborder: Caniformia
Family: Mustelidae
Subfamily: Mustelinae
Genus: Neovison
Species: Neovison vison

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