Lutreola vison - Mink
Mink are not native to the British Isles. This alien
species, which escaped in to the wild (or in some cases was
released) from fur farms, is thought to have had a serious effect on the
population of native water voles. It
originated from North America. The European mink, Lutreola lutreola,
is now confined to a few parts of northern Scandinavia, having been driven
out of most of its original range, probably by a combination of
persecution and habitat loss.
Mink can be very dangerous if they are cornered. If you
are bitten by a mink it is important to obtain medical treatment
immediately, since some mink may be carriers of Wiels Disease.
© Picture copyright The Wildlife Trusts.
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