Identification

Identification

The mink (Mustela vison,  is a

member of the weasel family. It is

about 18 to 24 inches (46 to 61 cm) in

length, including the somewhat bushy

5- to 7-inch (13- to 18-cm) tail, and

weighs 1 1/2 to 3 pounds (0.7 to 1.4

kg). Females are about three-fourths

the size of males. Both sexes are a rich

chocolate-brown color, usually with a

white patch on the chest or chin and

scattered white patches on the belly.

The fur is relatively short with the coat

consisting of a soft, dense underfur

concealed by glossy, lustrous guard

hairs. Mink also have anal musk

glands common to the weasel family

and can discharge a disagreeable musk

if frightened or disturbed. Unlike

skunks, however, they cannot forcibly

spray musk.

General Biology,

Reproduction, and

Behavior

Mink are polygamous and males may

fight ferociously for mates during the

breeding season, which occurs from

late January to late March. Gestation

varies from 40 to 75 days with an aver-age

of 51 days. Like most other members

of the weasel family, mink exhibit

delayed implantation; the embryos do

not implant and begin completing their

development until approximately 30

days before birth. The single annual litter

of about 3 to 6 young is born in late

April or early May and their eyes open

at about 3 weeks of age. The young are

born in a den which may be a bank

burrow, a muskrat house, a hole under

a log, or a rock crevice. The mink family

stays together until late summer

when the young disperse. Mink

become sexually mature at about 10

months of age.