Mustelidae (3): Mink alert!

I have never to my knowledge seen a Mink, so I don't have a photograph to post. I was amazed, however, to read on Professor P. Brain's blog that one of these creatures had put in an appearance in my neck of the woods, in the Swansea Bay area of South Wales, UK.

It was spotted by Dr Dan W. Forman. You can read about the unusual (and many would say 'undesirable') visitor here on Professor P. Brain's blog.

Swansea Bay, with the University of Swansea just off to the left

Minks were brought to Britain from America in the 1920s. Their coats are dark brown and glossy, often with white areas. These creatures are smaller than the Otter but larger than the Weasel, despite the fact that they are small enough to squeeze into a Water Vole hole in pursuit of prey. You can see from the map that Mink are found in most areas of the British Isles.