밍크(American Mink)

식육목(Carnivora)

족제비과(Mustelidae)

Mustela vison

 The American Mink, Neovison vison, is a North American member of the Mustelidae family found in Canada and most of the United States, particularly in Alaska. It is related to weasels, otters, European Mink, wolverines, and fishers. It was once grouped with skunks although new genetic evidence has placed skunks in a separate family Mephitidae. A domestic form of American Mink is raised in fur farms for its lustrous fur, which is highly esteemed. Breeders have developed a range of colors from deep black to white. A related marine species, Neovison macrodon, was hunted to extinction in the 19th century.

The Mink's long slim body is covered in glossy, thick dark brown fur with a white patch under the chin. They have short legs with partially webbed feet, which make them excellent swimmers. They can be found in wooded areas and fields near streams and lakes. They do not dig burrows, but instead take over dens abandoned by other animals.

Mink are semi aquatic predators able to hunt both aquatic and terrestrial prey. They can dive under water like an otter to capture fish, crayfish, and frogs. They can also capture terrestrial prey like birds, snakes, mice, voles, and rabbits. Mink are generalist predators focusing on whatever prey is most available and easily captured. These animals are mainly active at night and do not hibernate. Their predators include coyotes, Great Horned Owl, and wolves. They are also trapped for their fur. Their numbers have been reduced due to loss of habitat, the effects of pollution on their aquatic food supply, and the mixing of domestic mink genes into the wild mink gene pool.

They are usually solitary animals. Mating occurs from early February through early April; males and females may have more than one partner. Females give birth to 4–5 kits per litter once a year. While mortality is extremely high in the early months of the life of the American Mink, animals that do survive the first year often live three years in the wild.[citation needed] In captivity, mink can live 10–12 years.[citation needed] The mink is found in places which suit its habits throughout almost all North America, from Florida to the Arctic. An endangered subspecies, the Everglades Mink (Mustela vison evergladensis), is endemic to the Florida Everglades.