Psilos Mammal Gallery |
Mink |
The American mink is a member of the weasel
family (mustelidae) and a relative of stoats, otters, polecats and badgers.
Not originally a native these animals were brought over from North America
in 1929 to farm for fur. In later years animals escaped and were released
into the countryside by farmers when the fur trade declined. For decades
this mammal thrived but today research suggests that numbers are declining
and that indeed their numbers are decreasing due to the increase in
otter populations (their only natural predator) Today they can be found
on most rivers and waterways. These animals are highly aggressive and
territorial and live on a diet of birds, small mammals, fish and invertebrates. |
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Marbury Country Park March 2006 |
