American Mink(Minc Mheiriceánach)

Identification Tips

• 1Uniformly dark brown/black fur
• 2Small white patch on chin (not always visible)
• 3Elongated body, smaller than otter
• 4Pointed snout and small rounded ears
• 5Often near water but also travels overland

Similar Species

Eurasian Otter

Mink are much smaller than otters with a more pointed snout

European Pine Marten

Mink lack the cream throat bib and are usually darker

Stoat

Mink are larger and uniformly dark; stoats have brown/white division

Description

An invasive species established in Ireland after escaping from fur farms. Mink are semi-aquatic and pose a threat to native wildlife, especially ground-nesting birds.

Habitat

Further Reading

• American mink | Conserve Ireland
• Invasive Species Ireland