Habitat

Aquatic habitats, including coastal, but mainly rivers and lakes.

Key ID features

• Body length 30-50cm with glossy dark brown/black fur, and white patches on chin and throat. Tail is about half body length.

• Scats are 6-8cm long, pungent, sausage-like, but twisted and drawn out to a point.

• Mostly nocturnal or active at dusk. 

Distribution

Widespread throughout Britain’s aquatic habitats. 

Impacts

Predates native wildlife including water voles, sea birds, domestic fowl and fish.

Do’s & Don’ts

• DON’T break the law - If you catch/trap a mink you cannot release it back into the wild, it’s illegal under the Wildlife & Countryside Act 1981.

• DO - Mink control should only be undertaken by professionals and as part of mink control projects.

More Information

For more information visit the GB Non-Native Species Secretariat website.