Alternative Names (Synonyms)

• Vison d'Amerique (French)
• Amerikanisscher Nerz (German)
• Mink (German)
• Vison (German)

Alternative species names (the second part of the binomial species names): [Genus] antiquus; [Genus] borealis; [Genus] energumenos; [Genus] evagor; [Genus] evergladensis; [Genus] ingens; [Genus] lacustris; [Genus] letifera; [Genus] lowii; [Genus] lutensis; [Genus] lutreocephala; [Genus] macrodon; [Genus] melampeplus; [Genus] mink; [Genus] minx; [Genus] nesolestes; [Genus] nigrescens; [Genus] rufa; [Genus] vulgivavus; [Genus] winingus (B141).

Names for new-borns / juveniles

General Appearance

Similar Species

References

Species Author

Major References

Husbandry references:

• Wildlife and Countryside Directorate, Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions (DETR)
• The Mammal Society
• Mammals Trust

• --

TAXA Group (where information has been collated for an entire group on a modular basis)

Parent Group

• Mustelidae

Specific Needs Group referenced in Management Techniques

• Mustelidae

Husbandry Information

Notes

• Accommodation of Casualty Stoats, Weasels etc.
• Hand-rearing Stoats, Weasels etc.
• Catching and Handling of Stoats, Weasels etc.
• Feeding of Casualty Stoats, Weasels etc.
• Release of Casualty Stoats, Weasels etc.

Measurement & Weight

• Male: 330-450mm (B142); 330-430mm (B147); 14-22in./35-55cm (B144).
• Female: 320- 370mm (B142); 300-400mm (B147); 12-18in./30-45cm (B144).
• 30-43cm (B148).

Head

Skull:

Nose:

Ears

Legs and Tracks

Tail

• Male:150-220mm (B142)158-230mm (B147); 6-8.4in./15-22cm (B144).
• Female: 135-190mm (B142); 128-200mm (B147); 5.2-7.2in./14-20cm (B144).

Coat / Pelage

• General: Rich dark brown. Guard hairs darker than underfur.
• Ventral: usually paler (B147).
• Chin, throat and ventral: Variable extent white hairs, spots or patches.

(B142, B144, B147, B148)

• Black form (B143).
• Silver-grey (B142).
• Variety of colours bred on fur farms.

(B142, B143, B148)

• Spring moult: starts late March, completed mid-July.
• Autumn moult: starts mid-August, complete mid-November.

(B142).

Neonate (New-born) Characteristics

Detailed Anatomy Notes
(Summary information provided for pertinent species-specific data cross-referenced in Wildpro)

• Reproductive: Up to eight teats palpable when lactating. Difficult to detect outside breeding season (B142)
• Scent glands: paired anal glands open just inside anus. Proctodeal glands open into rectum. May also have ventral glands (B142).

Natural Diet

• Mammals, birds, fish, invertebrates.
• Rabbits often commonest prey, also small rodents and insectivores.
• Ducks, coots, moorhens, gulls commonest birds taken.
• Also frogs, toads, crayfish, molluscs.

(B142, B143, B144, B147, B148).

Detailed Physiology Notes
(Summary information provided for pertinent species-specific data cross-referenced in Wildpro)

Feeding Behaviour

Parental Behaviour

Social Behaviour / Territoriality

• Generally solitary and hostile.
• Territorial.
• Variable territory size.
• Minimal overlap between territories held by individuals of same sex.
• Much overlap between territories held by opposite sexes.
• Non-territorial, transient individuals particularly males in mating season.
• May be temporary dominance hierarchy among males developed by fighting in mating season.
• Juveniles disperse from August onwards.
• Home range females 8-20 hectares males larger may be 800ha (B147).

(B142, B144)

Sexual Behaviour

Predation in Wild

Activity Patterns

• Run (bounding gait, up to 6.5km/hr).
• Climb well.
• Amphibious - swim very well, including underwater.
• Availability and activity of prey may determine foraging activity.
• Less active in winter than summer.

(B142, B147)

• Mainly crepuscular/nocturnal.
• Also active in daytime.

(B142, B144, B147)

General Habitat Type

• Aquatic habitats (rivers, lakes and coasts) preferred.
• Particularly eutrophic streams/rivers/lakes with abundant bankside cover.
• On canals if sufficient prey and cover.
• Also swamps, marshes.
• Also found away from water if suitable prey present.

(B51, B142, B143, B144, B148)

Nests / Burrows / Shelters

• Nests in e.g. hole in bank, hollow tree, under tree roots.
• Use beaver and muskrat houses.
• Also self-excavated burrows, may be 3m long, 1m below surface. Entrance(s) just above water level.

(B147, B148)

Distribution and Movement (Migration etc.)

Europe: Spreading populations from fur farm escapees in northern Europe (Scandinavia, France, Germany), Russia and former USSR, Iceland, British Isles, Spain (B142, B143, B148).

Intraspecific variation

Conservation Status

Not endangered (B144).

In Britain: This introduced species is common and widespread. Pre-breeding population estimate of at least 110,000, with 46,750 in England, 52,250 in Scotland and an unknown number on the Isle of Arran, 9750 in Wales. Population estimate of this widely-distributed species was based on a limited amount of data and considered likely to be inaccurate by up to 50% in either direction (B221).

• This species is listed on Schedule 9 - Part 1 (Animals and plants to which Section 14 applies (ie. may not be released into or grown in the wild) ) of the LUK2 - Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 of the United Kingdom. (W5.Oct01)
• See: Destructive Imported Animals Act 1932