Mink is a predatory mammal of the mustelidae family, a genus of ferrets. There are two types of mink in the wild nature of Russia - European (Mustela lutreola) and American (Mustela vison). The European mink is native to Eurasia, while the American mink was brought to the continent relatively recently - in 1928 for breeding in nature reserves and fur farms. Later, the animals began to be released into the wild for adaptation and reproduction. The neighborhood did not benefit the European mink; its numbers began to decline, which is why it was included in the Russian and World Red Books.
Distant relatives
Outwardly, these two types of mink are similar, but scientists have determined that although they are relatives, they are distant. The European mink is a close relative of the mink, and the American mink is closely related to martens and sables. This suggests that both types of mink originated from different ancestors, but under the same living conditions they acquired significant similarities.
Some scientists believe that there are no longer purebred European minks in the wild; in their opinion, the American mink, being larger and stronger, has displaced the European mink from its ancestral territories. Moreover, animals such as muskrats, martens and ferrets, especially small ones, also suffered from the American’s aggression.
It is noteworthy that both types of animals can mate with each other, but no offspring appear, since the embryo dies in the mother’s womb. Apparently, this is due to the fact that the relatives of the animals of the two species are really different, and their “marriages” turn out to be unfruitful.
American conqueror
The American mink really has a lot in common with its European relatives, but it has a larger body - its length reaches 60 cm, weight 2-3 kg, and a fluffy tail up to 30 centimeters.
The American mink differs from the European mink in that the swimming membranes on its legs are less developed. But it has a thicker coat of fur with a lush black-gray undercoat.
Another distinctive feature of the American mink is that its lower lip and chin are white, and its upper lip is the same color as the top of its head.
As the name suggests, the main habitat of the American mink is the forests of North America - the USA and Canada. In Europe, the American mink has taken root well in the wild and fur farms of England, Germany, France and Scotland. In Russia, it has acclimatized to the territory located on both sides of the Ural Mountains, and especially in the Far East.
The American mink was first released into the wild in the early 30s of the 20th century in the Primorsky Territory, in the Sikhote-Alin Nature Reserve. In addition, mink began to be bred on fur farms in the Primorsky Territory and other regions of Russia. In general, the animal’s adaptation was successful, and now the mink’s habitat is quite wide - it can be found on the banks of all habitable rivers and lakes.
The degree of population of the territory depends on the availability of food supply and the winter regime of the rivers - the mink settles near non-freezing reservoirs.
Hollows and roots of trees, and deep holes dug by other animals are suitable as housing for the American mink. The mink tries to make its home cozy and comfortable, for which it covers the floor in the hole with a bedding of dry leaves and grass. It stores a lot of bedding so that in winter, in severe frost, it can be used to cover the entrances and exits, regulating the temperature in the nest. The toilet is installed in the hole, or not far from it.
In the summer, when there are no problems with food, the mink hunts near its home, but in the winter, for a successful hunt, it has to go up to 30 km away.
Despite the underdeveloped swimming membranes, the American mink swims well, making wave-like movements with its tail and body. She dives to a depth of 4-5 meters and can swim up to 30 meters underwater.
On land, a mink can run at speeds of up to 20 km per hour, and in water it moves at a speed of 1-1.% km per hour. In winter, when there is a lot of snow, the mink moves under its surface and creates an extensive network of snow passages.
The American mink feeds on what it can catch - small fish, frogs, crayfish, mice and rats. Large individuals hunt muskrats and other mammals; if possible, the mink will try to steal poultry.
The rutting period of the American mink lasts from February to April, babies are born in April-May. The American is a fairly prolific mother - she brings up to 10 cubs at a time, but there are exceptions - 5-6 or 16 babies.
Sexual maturity in females occurs at one year of age, although they grow to adult size by 4-5 months. Males become sexually mature at 1.5 years, and grow to the size of an adult animal by 12 months. Under favorable conditions, the life expectancy of an American mink is 10-12 years.
European aborigines
The European mink is slightly smaller in size than its American relatives. The length of its body reaches 30-45 cm, weight about 1 kg, tail - 20-25 cm. The paws are short, with interdigital membranes, which are especially wide on the hind paws, where only the terminal phalanges of the toes remain free. These anatomical features allow the mink to lead a semi-aquatic lifestyle and swim well.
The fur of the European mink is dense, with a thick undercoat that does not get wet in water. Thanks to these fur features, the mink can swim and hunt in water with a temperature of +10-15 degrees, and even lower.
The fur color of the European mink is dark brown, the muzzle is completely white, and not just the chin and lower lip, like the American mink.
The European mink's habitat in Russia extends from Siberia and the Far East to the Caucasus, although it has been greatly reduced in recent years. In Europe, the animal lives in Poland, Finland, France, Belarus, the Baltic states and the Balkans.
The decline in the European mink population is influenced by factors such as environmental pollution, the construction of hydraulic structures, a reduction in the food supply, and the emergence and spread of the stronger American mink.
The European mink also settles near bodies of water with gently sloping banks overgrown with grass, bushes and trees. In such conditions, the mink finds both housing and food.
In the steppe zone, the European mink lives only near lakes and river valleys, and prefers ice-free reservoirs, in which they can hunt all year round and, if necessary, hide from enemies.
Often a mink settles next to beavers in order to use their passages and easily move under ice and snow. Both American and European mink live solitary lives, occupying areas of varying sizes.
The animal's mink consists of two chambers and is equipped with two entrances, which the mink closes in winter with dry leaves, twigs and grass. The mink makes a toilet next to the dwelling.
The mink needs two moves in order to go down to the water one at a time, and on the other to go out to the opposite side - into the forest. The European mink loves comfort and warmth just as much as the American one - in its winter home there is high-quality bedding made of grass, leaves, moss, and bird feathers. In the summer, last year's bedding is thrown out of the hole; for the winter, the animal makes new clothes from freshly collected material.
The European mink feeds on small animals and fish, whose habitat overlaps with its own. Its diet includes mice, rats, snakes, frogs and small fish.
The European mink is a good swimmer, so it does not remain without food even in winter, when diving deep under water you can catch perches, tench, squints or minnows.
Minks mate at the end of winter, after the ice on the rivers begins to break up. The female attracts several males, who compete with each other, and at the same time fight and scream loudly and even whistle. In addition, a mink can mate with a ferret, resulting in a cross called a mink-cuff.
When the rutting season passes, females and males separate and live separately. The female carries the cubs for 1.5-2 months; as a rule, there are fewer of them than the American female; there are only 4-5 babies in one litter.
Norchatas are born in April-May, at first the mother does not leave them, but then goes out to hunt. Already in August, the children grow to adult size, and taught by their mother to get their own food, they begin to live separately. By this time, they no longer receive mother's milk, and switch to meat and fish.
Animals at home
Both European and American minks are adapted to domestic conditions and to keeping in fur farms. As in the wild, the mink is neat and tidy, it is easy to train to the toilet, and it is not picky about food. A mink eats no more than 200 grams of food per day - it can be fish or small rodents.
On fur farms, minks of various colors are bred and raised - black, black and silver, white, sapphire, blue, and so on. Breeders are constantly working to breed animals with high-quality, unique-looking, valuable fur.
Thanks to its beautiful and valuable fur, the mink is known all over the world and is considered a real “queen” among fur-bearing animals. The trend of modernity has become the domestication of obstinate animals, which delight not only with their natural charm, but also with their enterprising playful character.
Features and habitat of the mink
Mink is a representative of the family of predatory mammals. The animal is small in size, up to 50 cm long, elongated in body shape, roll-shaped. The length of the small tail does not exceed 15-18 cm, the muzzle is narrow, with small ears, almost invisible in the thick fur.
The eyes look like black beads, very lively and expressive. The limbs are short, covered with fur, the fingers are equipped with pronounced membranes, especially wide on the hind legs.
Bouncing is detected in the movement of the mink. The weight of an individual is from 1.5 to 3 kg, males are always larger than females. The closest relatives in the mustelid family are ferrets, weasels,.
A coat with short, smooth fur, so dense and protected that after a long stay in water, the mink’s hair does not get wet. The change of seasons does not affect the fur structure. The color is predominantly monochromatic, from reddish to dark brown, almost black. The tone is lighter on the abdomen, and the deepest colors are on the legs and tail.
There is often a light spot under the lip; sometimes it is found on the animal’s chest or along the belly line. Currently, minks of various shades of fur have been bred: blue, white, lilac - in total there are more than 60 color variations.
The animal swims well, so it stays near bodies of water: rivers, lakes, streams. What does a mink look like?, can be observed near the water: animal characterized by extraordinary agility, body flexibility, agility, and swiftness. Selects places for settlement near fallen trees, snags protruding to the surface and tangled roots.
Description of animal minks in nature concerns two main types of animals: European and American. All species are very close to each other. It is believed that the American species bred on fur farms originated from the European one; it is slightly larger than those previously studied animals. Mink price American is superior for durable fur.
The range of the European mink species extends from Finland to the Ural Mountains. In the south, the historical border of distribution is marked by the Caucasus Mountains and the northern regions of Spain. A rare appearance of the animal was noticed in France, which indicates its movement to the west.
In general, the mink population has been greatly reduced due to commercial hunting for its warm and beautiful fur. The population is preserved only in local areas; the animal is listed in the Red Book and is protected by law in all countries.
Mink is an animal whistling, conveying many shades of meaning:
- sharply and briefly - a manifestation of anger and fear;
- gently and cooing - a call during the rutting season;
- quiet and calm - communication with offspring.
The owners of domesticated minks understand their language well and strive to make communication smooth and trusting. Animals have a weak heart. Fright can destroy the animal, although it also knows how to defend itself.
Minks are handled with special gloves that protect hands from bites. The animals have one more weapon: like the famous one, they can spray an odorous liquid that scares away enemies. Mink as a pet rarely resorts to such protection.
Character and lifestyle
The character of the mink is lively and active. Leads a solitary lifestyle. Nature has not endowed the animal with the ability to run fast or climb, but it swims and dives excellently. Rows with all its paws and pushes forward. Can walk along the bottom. Only severe fright will force the animal to climb onto a branch or bush.
Loves secluded places, quiet and secluded, settles along the banks of freshwater bodies of water overgrown with reeds, chooses swampy lakes and small rivers.
It builds nests on protruding hummocks, around which there is water, so that at the first danger it can reliably hide in the depths. Appears after 15-20 meters to look around and catch its breath, then hides in the vegetation.
Activity appears after dark, although sometimes it hunts during the day on an area of 12 to 25 hectares. It searches for food on land, covering about half a kilometer per day in its hunting grounds.
The trails are repeated day after day, places are marked with scent marks. With the onset of winter, you have to move 3-4 times more in order to check the remaining polynyas.
He tries not to show himself in the snow, moves through trenches and under water. Minks do not hibernate in winter, but on frosty days the animal can hide in the den and sleep for some time, waiting out the harsh days.
Mink dwellings are dug chambers with a bedding of dry grass, feathers and moss, two exits in different directions. One - to the water, the other - to dense vegetation. A separate place is allocated for the restroom.
Old water rat holes, natural cracks and depressions can also be occupied by a burrow for habitation. The animal avoids people, but curiosity and the desire to feast on game are stronger than fear. Therefore, chicken coops are often attacked by agile minks.
Nutrition
Because the mink – wild animal, semi-aquatic inhabitant, food mainly consists of various fish, crustaceans, snails, mollusks, water rats, . The animal hunts land animals and birds, and does not disdain insects.
Not far from villages, domestic chickens and ducks often disappear due to the fault of minks. It prefers to eat fresh prey, only during a period of starvation for up to 3-4 days can it switch to stale meat or pick up food waste from houses.
With the approach of cold weather, the mink makes food reserves in the form of bitten or headless frogs, mouse-like rodents, minnows, perches, squints, and occasionally birds. Loves to replenish pantries and takes care of the freshness of savings.
Domestic minks are fed mainly with meat and fish feed with the addition of vegetables, grains, dairy, and vitamin components. An appropriate diet is selected for each biological period. In summer, due to the accumulation of energy, protein and vitamin foods are increased; in winter, less nutritious feed mixtures are used.
Reproduction and lifespan
Mating time for minks runs from February to April. The struggle for females manifests itself in fights and noisy squealing. Pregnancy of females lasts up to 72 days, resulting in a litter of 2-7 cubs. Young minks are very playful. Males do not take part in caring for the offspring and live separately.
By mid-summer, the babies grow to half the size of their mother, and by autumn they reach the size of adults. They switch from mother's milk to animal food and finally leave the parental burrow.
Minks become sexually mature by 10 months; up to 3 years, the highest fecundity is observed, then it decreases noticeably. Life expectancy in nature is on average 9-10 years, but in captivity the period increases significantly to 15-18 years.
The natural habitat of minks is constantly shrinking. Minks are tamed to humans, although they do not become completely tame. They may respond to a familiar voice and allow gentle stroking.
There are entire fur farms where you can buy an animal mink for industrial purposes. This is the only way to maintain control over the species diversity of wild animals.
Mink is an animal of the Mustelidae family; it has long been an object of trade due to its beautiful and durable fur. There are two main types of mink living in the wild – European and American. In an effort to obtain more valuable and high-quality fur, people have developed several new breeds of mink for breeding on fur farms exclusively for commercial purposes.
Total information
European and American (Canadian) minks are very similar in appearance, and differ only in size: the weight of the American (Canadian) mink is about two kilograms, while the European mink does not reach 1 kilogram, its live weight is 600-800 grams. Some scientists classify the European mink as a Siberian mink, or Siberian mink, and the American mink as a marten; this is another difference between related animals.
The body length of the American mink is 50 cm, that of the European mink is 28-45 cm, the European mink is inferior and the tail length is 12-20 cm, versus 25 cm for the American mink.
Description of the European mink: the fur is dense and short, with a thick down that does not get wet even in water. The nose is narrow, the forehead is wide, the ears are small, round, almost invisible due to the fur. The eyes are dark brown. The toes on the paws are connected by a membrane, thanks to which the mink swims well. On the hind paws the membrane is especially wide, leaving only the tips of the toes free.
What color is the fur of minks living in natural conditions? The fur of European and American mink is one color, light brown, reddish, brown, dark brown. The fur on the belly is lighter, while on the back, tail and paws it is darker. There is a white spot on the chin and lower lip; in some individuals this spot extends to the chest.
The description of the American mink is no different except for the size from the description of the European mink.
The American mink was introduced to Europe and the USSR at the beginning of the 20th century, and since then it has spread throughout European countries, the CIS and Russia, displacing the smaller and stronger European mink from its ancestral lands. As a result, the number of European mink has decreased significantly in recent years, while the American mink feels great in its new place. In Russia, it lives in Siberia, in the Ural mountains, in the Far East in the forests of the Central zone.
Variety of breeds
Breeders have developed several breeds of mink with fur of various colors. Fur colors depend on the presence and concentration of yellow and black pigments in the animal's hairs - these factors were used by breeders to produce animals with fur of various colors.
Natural colors - black and brown are called standard, and on their basis, breeds with different colors were obtained by crossing animals.
The Canadian mink is not classified as a separate animal species. This is a breed with more valuable fur. In Canadian mink it is low-pile, velvety, silky, with a high and thick down. There is fur with super short guard hairs, resulting in the fur looking like it has been plucked.
The blue mink is represented by several breeds with blue fur. They were bred back in the 20th century, and bred on fur farms in the USSR and in other countries of Europe and America.
Blue mink fur colors come in light or dark tones, with a blue down. In the litter there are also individuals with brown or brown spots; the value of such fur is much lower.
Violet mink is considered the most valuable and beautiful among blue minks. The breed was obtained by crossing the Aleutian, Silver Blue and Malbuff breeds.
The Sapphire Mink was created by crossing the Silver Blue and the Aleutian Mink. The result was a breed with pure blue fur in dark or light tones.
The Jet breed, or black amber mink. Its description differs from other minks: its fur is black, with a dark gray down, its eyes and palate are also black.
The Royal Pastel breed has brown fur, but looks more attractive due to the brown down. The fur of minks of this breed comes in different shades of brown - from reddish to chocolate. Royal pastel minks turn gray at the age of 3-4 years, so they are not kept longer than this period.
Aleutian mink has wonderful fur; its colors form an interesting composition: black guard hair against a background of blue fluff.
The Blue Iris breed was developed by crossing blue minks with Aleutian minks. The colors of the blue iris correspond to the name of the breed.
The Hetlung breed is a pure white mink, but sometimes has a yellowish tint, which reduces the value of the skin. Females of this breed have significant disadvantages - they hear poorly and poorly monitor their babies. Caring for such an animal in captivity is quite difficult.
The American Palomino breed is distinguished by pink or greenish eyes, as well as smoky beige fur with a light blue down. There are individuals with yellow or orange undercoat; such fur is valued very low.
Mink in natural conditions
The habitat of the European mink currently extends from Finland to the Urals. The animal is also found in France, Spain and some other European countries. In Romania, the European mink has been spotted in the Danube Delta, but in this country it lives in an area of only about 2,500 square meters.
On the territory of Russia, it has been preserved in the Arkhangelsk and Vologda regions, in areas located east of the Urals.
The decline in the number of European mink in its ancestral territories is influenced by several factors: extermination by hunters for valuable fur, reduction of forest areas suitable for mink habitat, reduction in the number of animals that serve as food for mink, and the emergence and spread of the main competitor - the American mink.
In some regions and republics of Russia, the European mink was included in the Red Books. Concern for the safety of the animal was shown in the Pskov, Samara, Sverdlovsk and Chelyabinsk regions, in the Perm Territory, and the Komi and Bashkortostan republics.
European and American minks in the wild lead the same way of life - they hunt at night, but can leave the shelter during the daytime, especially if the night hunt was unsuccessful. The animal eats about 200 grams of food per day. If there is more prey, the mink makes supplies, taking the remains into the hole.
The mink is an excellent swimmer and in order to be able to fish in winter, it settles near ice-free reservoirs. Fish is the only type of food available to the animal at any time of the year.
Big-eyed mink! But the mink’s diet is not limited to fish; it hunts mice and other small forest rodents, eats frogs, crayfish, snakes, and insects. Destroys bird nests, feeding on their chicks and eggs.
In case of poor hunting, it can eat plant foods - berries, mushrooms, tree seeds, plant roots. When settling near human habitation, it visits garbage dumps in search of food waste and, on occasion, can attack small poultry.
Mating season for minks begins in March, and by summer they have cubs. At one time, the female brings 6-7 babies. If it does get warm, which is not uncommon for Siberia and the Urals, the female warms the babies around the clock for the first 2-3 weeks.
Mink cubs have one amazing feature - at a temperature of -10 degrees and below, they fall into a state of suspended animation, or clinical death. But the mother begins to warm them up, and they return to life.
Mink is an animal belonging to the mustelid family, living in Europe, North America and Asia.
This species is divided into 2 subspecies: European and American mink. American minks are larger than their European counterparts. Today, the American mink lives not only on the American continent; at the beginning of the 20th century, it was brought to Eurasia, where it took root. The European mink lives in Europe and Southwestern Siberia.
The European mink is listed in the Red Book, and the main reason for the decline in the population is its American counterpart, which is rapidly multiplying and displacing the indigenous inhabitants from developed lands. But this version is just a guess. Today, the population of European mink is steadily declining.
Mink is valued for its thick, shiny and practical fur. This fur looks rich and beautiful. The fur is brown, but can have different shades. Breeders have learned to artificially breed minks with “colored” colors. They have white, beige and even blue fur. This fur is valued much higher than brown fur.
Mink appearance
Representatives of the European population weigh 1.2-1.8 kilograms.
The body length of males varies between 37-45 centimeters, females are slightly smaller, they grow to 35-40 centimeters.
The tail length of males is 15-20 centimeters, and that of females is 15-18 centimeters. Minks have short limbs, and between the toes there are membranes, thanks to which the animal swims and dives well. Minks catch fish by moving along the bottom of the reservoir. They can stay under water without air for up to 3 minutes. During swimming, the front and hind limbs work.
Mink is a small predatory animal. American mink weighs up to 2 kilograms. Its body length is a maximum of 54 centimeters, and its tail length is 25 centimeters. Externally, the American mink differs from its European counterpart in the face. The European mink has white fur on the upper and lower lips, while the American mink has white fur framing only the lower lip.
Mink lifestyle and nutrition
Minks live near rivers, swamps and lakes. They build burrows, but can occupy empty burrows of other animals. These animals feed on small rodents, birds, fish and eggs. Minks sometimes catch very large fish that are larger than themselves. Every day a mink consumes up to 200 grams of food.
Reproduction
Minks breed in winter and spring. Pregnancy lasts 45-75 days. The female gives birth to 3-7 babies, each weighing 6-7 grams. Babies are born blind, their vision begins to appear only on the 30th day.
The mother feeds the offspring with milk for 2 months, but already at the 3rd week after birth, the babies can eat solid food. At the 3rd month of life, the young begin to accompany their mother during the hunt. Upon reaching four months of age, young minks become completely independent. At 10 months they reach sexual maturity. Minks live on average 8-10 years.
Artificial breeding
People breed minks en masse in special animal farms. The animals are kept in metal cages that can be kept both outdoors and indoors.
The European mink (lat. Mustela lutreola) is a predatory animal of the mustelid family. Belongs to the order of mammals. In many historical habitats it has long been considered an extinct animal and is listed as a threatened species in the Red Book. The exact population size is difficult to determine, but it is estimated that there are fewer than 30,000 individuals in the wild.
The reasons for the disappearance are different. The first factor was the valuable mink fur, which is always in demand, which stimulates hunting for the animal. The second is the settlement of the American mink, which displaced the European mink from its natural habitat. The third factor is the destruction of water bodies and places suitable for life. And lastly, epidemics. European minks are susceptible to viruses just like dogs. This is especially true in places where the population is large. Pandemics are one of the reasons for the decline in the number of these unique mammals.
Description
The European norm is a rather small animal. Males sometimes grow up to 40 cm with a weight of 750 g, and females are even smaller - weighing about half a kilogram and a little more than 25 cm long. The body is elongated, the limbs are short. The tail is not fluffy, 10-15 cm long.
The muzzle is narrow, slightly flattened, with small round ears, almost hidden in thick fur, and quick eyes. The mink's toes are webbed, this is especially noticeable on the hind limbs.
The fur is thick, dense, not long, with a good down, which remains dry even after prolonged water procedures. The color is uniform, from light to dark brown, rarely black. There is a white spot on the chin and chest.
Geography and habitat
Previously, European minks lived throughout Europe, from Finland to Spain. However, they can now only be found in small areas in Spain, France, Romania, Ukraine and Russia. Most of this species lives in Russia. Here their number is 20,000 individuals - two-thirds of the global number.
This species has very specific habitat requirements, which is one of the reasons for the population decline. They are semi-aquatic creatures that live both in water and on land, so they have to settle near bodies of water. It is typical that the animals settle exclusively near freshwater lakes, rivers, streams and swamps. No cases of European mink appearing along the sea coast have been recorded.
In addition, Mustela lutreola requires dense vegetation located along the coastline. They organize their homes by digging dens or inhabiting hollow logs, insulating them with grass and leaves, thereby creating comfort for themselves and their offspring.
Habits
Minks are nocturnal predators, feeling most comfortable at dusk. But sometimes they hunt at night. Hunting occurs in an interesting way - the animal tracks its prey from the shore, where it spends most of its time.
Minks are excellent swimmers; webbed toes help them use their paws like flippers. If necessary, they dive well; in case of danger, they swim under water up to 20 meters. After a short breath, they can continue swimming.
Nutrition
Minks are carnivores, which means they eat meat. Mice, rabbits, fish, crayfish, snakes, frogs and waterfowl are part of their diet. The European mink is known to feed on some vegetation. The remains of the skins are often stored in their lair.
It feeds on any small inhabitants of reservoirs and surrounding areas. The basic food is: rats, mice, fish, amphibians, frogs, crayfish, beetles and larvae.
Near settlements, chickens, ducklings and other small domestic animals are sometimes hunted. During periods of famine they can feed on waste.
Preference is given to fresh prey: in captivity, if there is a shortage of quality meat, they starve for several days before switching to spoiled meat.
Before the cold weather begins, they try to make supplies in their shelter from freshwater, fish, rodents, and sometimes birds. Immobilized and folded frogs are stored in shallow reservoirs.
Reproduction
European minks are loners. They do not form groups and live separately from each other. The exception is the mating period, when active males begin to chase and fight females ready to mate. This happens in early spring, and by the end of April - beginning of May, after a 40-day pregnancy, numerous offspring are born. Usually there are from two to seven cubs in one litter. Their mother keeps them on milk for up to four months, then they completely switch to meat food. They leave the mother after about six months, and after 10-12 months, they reach sexual maturity.