Mustela lutreola
European Mink. VS.
The European Mink resembles American Mink and Western Polecat. It is dark brown with narrow white patches around the snout, with variable white areas on the throat and chest and a dark undercoat. The European Mink is also smaller than American Mink and Western Polecat.
European Mink is usually found near water, in reed beds and swampy areas near woodland. The behaviour and habits of European Mink are similar to those of its American cousin. European Mink swims and dives exceedingly well and lives primarily on fish, crabs, amphibians, small birds, and small mammals.
It builds its nest between tree roots, among reeds, in hollow trees, or in a den, which it usually excavates in an embankment. The entrance is above water level. European Mink has webbing between its five toes, and this can be seen occasionally in footprints on soft terrain; otherwise, the tracks resemble those of American Mink.
European Mink. Bioecologie.
