They should publish pictures of both in water and out. Wild About the British Isles (WABI) Skip Navigation. It may have been a hound howling at that time, never a fox . I believe that Defra, English Nature and the Yorkshire Wildlife Trust need to educate people to spot the differences in activity of otter and mink. Their diet consists of roughly 80% fish, but they will prey upon birds, mammals and frogs if fish are in short … The average otter is 1–1.3 metres in length, and weighs up to 9kg. Most liked. Mink farms had been established in the UK from the 1920s, and expansion of the industry resumed after WWII. Otters and ferrets are close relatives of them. Oldest first, -1) ? Like automobiles, the bulk fall into the lower price range. In the UK, there are seven mustelid species found in the wild, including stoat, weasel, badger, pine marten, American mink, polecat and otter. When attempting to identify the animal by sight, if you don’t know the basic physical differences between the species, the animals can be mistaken for each other. Overseen by the Environment Agency, the survey uncovered a 55 per cent rise in otter numbers since 1994 and a 530 per cent rise since 1979. Color. In rare cases, otters are even killing mink in direct combat. be mistaken for otters. The American mink, one of the countryside's most ruthless killers, has finally met its match. You can find our Community Guidelines in full here. We do have foxes but this was not the work of a fox. Turned into something else entirely. continue to respect all commenters and create constructive debates. One project in the upper Thames area, covering rivers such as the Colne, Thames, Windrush, Churn and Leach, tracked mink numbers after otters were reintroduced there in 1998. Distribution A rare but widespread species, now found throughout the country but absent from parts of central and southern England, the Isle of Man, the Isles of Scilly and the Channel Islands. Mink were first confirmed to … The appearance of the mink would be best described as a mix between an otter and weasel. 'active' : ''"> It is also important to remember that like otters, Mink also have five toes. Across Britain, mink numbers are plummeting - thanks to a resurgence in native otter populations. real-world solutions, and more. they can to create a true meeting of independent Premium. Each species varies widely in looks and behaviour, but generally speaking mustelids are long-bodied, short-legged, thickly furred and tend to be active at night, which makes them elusive. They are highly valued for their fur because of its luxurious appearance, stunning durability, and exceptional insulating qualities. Our journalists will try to respond by joining the threads when Mink are very handsome specimens with a rich, dark chocolate brown coat and an extremely muscular physique. Otter has a broader muzzle and is larger than a domestic cat. The article last Saturday on the ratter Phil Bastey and his dogs, where he also saved the remaining chickens by trapping the culprit, a mink, should make us wake up to the fact that mink are on the increase again and need culling. Scandal of headteachers betrayed by Gavin Williamson – The Yorkshire Post says, Whitby's Swing Bridge to be closed to traffic next year. Mink are dark-colored, semiaquatic, carnivorous mammals of the genera Neovison and Mustela, and part of the family Mustelidae which also includes weasels, otters and ferrets. It is sold at a wide variety of price points. Are you sure you want to delete this comment? From: Sheila Duke, Canal Lane, Pocklington. They also frequently have the little white patch of fur on their chin, and a more pointed nose than the otter. I could be wrong but i didnt think a mink would be able to hunt down and kill a carp. i) identify otter diet and seasonality. Independent Premium. Mink vs Polecat vs Weasel vs Stoat vs Ferret vs Mongoose. Want an ad-free experience?Subscribe to Independent Premium. Color. Numbers: About 40,000. Otter also has paler underside which mink does not have. The American mink, one of the countryside's most ruthless killers, has finally met its match. Otters are nocturnal, and shy and it would be rare indeed to see one in daylight or even be approached by one. Newest first, -1) ? Water voles and rats Start your Independent Premium subscription today. The new findings represent a remarkable reversal of fortunes for both species. As a rough guide, the prints of female otters range in width between 5-6cm with males clocking in at a slightly larger 6.5-7cm and cubs at under 4cm. American mink. Claw marks may be visible, but the big difference between these and otter prints is size: mink, weasel and stoat prints range from just 1-4cm, while otter prints are a massive 9cm long. Let’s hope our MPs see reason and give us our hunting back. Reply. This is a mink they are smaller like ferrets, and more bold. I am informed that otter prefer fish, eels and frogs and will take ducklings, and that a sure sign of an otter is that it eats all the fish from head down and leaves the fish tail on the bank. Food: Small fish, water voles, bird eggs, rabbits, shellfish, frogs, rats and small birds. Found across Britain, after first breeding in Devon in 1957. According to Leslie Ann, the mink has a shorter, bushier tail; the otter has a long tail which is flattened for swimming. Mink may have approached fishermen because they can smell the bait they use. The average otter is 1–1.3 metres in length, and weighs up to 9kg. Sharing the full story, not just the headlines. To hunt a carp down takes a speialised fish hunter ie. Otters are nocturnal, and shy and it would be rare indeed to see one in daylight or even be approached by one. Mink can be brown or black, but many mink in Iowa are black year-round. — otters, other than size/weight– and that is the tail. One farmer reported seeing a otter tearing a mink to shreds And a documented case has emerged of an otter tearing an encroaching mink to pieces. They recovered slightly but by 2002, they were still living in only half their previous range. Both mink species measure about 30–50 cm (12–20 inches) in length, not including a 13–23-cm tail, and weigh 2 kg (4.5 pounds) or less; females are smaller. It … There are two extant species referred to as "mink": the American mink and the European mink. Newest first, -1) ? Mink can be brown or black, but many mink in Iowa are black year-round. Unfortunately a mink was spotted about two years ago along the beck at the back of my property raiding a nest. The extinct sea mink is related to the American mink, but was much larger. Find your bookmarks in your Independent Premium section, under my profile, There are no comments yet - be the first to add your thoughts, There are no Independent Premium comments yet - be the first to add your thoughts, Mink numbers drop as the otter bites back. American mink (Neovison vison) have a much darker brown or black coat and are smaller than otters. From a nationwide peak of 110,000 mink in the 1980s, mink numbers could now be as low as 40,000. Tail: An otter’s tail is long and thick, while a mink’s tail is bushy and smaller. The European otter has been here for millions of years; it is a member of the Mustelid family, which also includes the badger, mink, weasels, stoats, martens and polecats, and is the only truly semi-aquatic member of the weasel family. 'active' : ''"> And the decline is dramatic, with mink numbers falling in the Home Counties by as much as 50 per cent. Mink are not native to the UK. Mink average 13-18 inches long and weigh up to 3 pounds, whereas ermine weigh 0.2-0.3 pounds and least weasels weigh 1-2 ounces. Long, muscular, tapering tail, whereas the mink’s tail is long cylindrical and fluffy. Recently, natural recovery rate of otters has seen a population boom with them spreading and recovering in the majority of their former range. At its peak in the 1950s, there were 400 known fur farms in the UK, and there were suspected to be additional ‘backyard’ units. Otters can be distinguished from mink by their much larger size and broader face. They will even take cat food. Please Mink has a more pointed muzzle and is smaller than a cat. Ruthless but opportunistic predators. iv) compare the diet of the otter with that of the American mink. totes dangerous! Otter also has paler underside which mink does not have. 'active' : ''"> to your comment. The most insightful comments on all subjects Guidelines. Want to discuss real-world problems, be involved in the most engaging discussions and hear from the journalists? The American Mink lives across most of North America and is a cat-sized member of the Mustelidae family, which also includes weasels, otters and skunks. Minks can grow up to 30” inches and weigh up to 2.2 pounds while weasels, as mentioned before, only grow up to 13” and weigh only a few ounces. Mink were first confirmed to … It’s a nonsense made up by those who do not understand hunting and wish the ban to carry on. Mink. They were introduced from North America and through escaping fur farms and their release when fur was banned they have spread throughout much of Britain. Two layers of fur. Guest. Although I have a keen sense of nature, some of my knowledge did not kick in until early February when I smelt a foul smell on one of my small bridges. Also pictures of their scats, which are mink poo and spraints – otter poo. Independent Premium Comments can be posted by members of our membership scheme, Independent Premium. Recently, natural recovery rate of otters has seen a population boom with them spreading and recovering in the majority of their former range. "My prediction is that as otters recolonise the UK, mink numbers will fall even further." In the UK, there are seven mustelid species found in the wild, including stoat, weasel, badger, pine marten, American mink, polecat and otter. Leslie Ann, a Radnor Lake park ranger (lucky woman! Mink. Mink, cause face ears hair and tail all different than river or sea otter. Oldest first, -1) ? The most popular of all furs sold worldwide, mink accounts for the overwhelming majority of U.S. retail fur sales. Our native pine marten, the non-native American mink and the feral ferret are all related and belong to the Family Mustelidae. You can also choose to be emailed when someone replies Continuous predators like mink, spotted genets, weasels, and otters require continuous stimulation compared to a lion, which uses short bursts of energy sporadically and rests most of the time. Ms Bonesi said this transformation was a telling example of the way man damaged the environment. Polecat (Mustela putorius) The polecat is a very similar size to the american mink. Escaped or intentionally freed from fur farms in the 1960s, the American mink is now well established in the UK. Mink are dark-colored, semiaquatic, carnivorous mammals of the genera Neovison and Mustela, and part of the family Mustelidae which also includes weasels, otters and ferrets. Mink are ferocious and will attack and kill a flock of chickens and will kill a fully-grown duck, returning later to dismember a carcass. Weasel vs. Ferret. ii) compare otter diet in different river systems and urban and rural environments. They are very bold creatures and not to be messed with. For the best snares money can buy visit http://www.southernsnares.com ! Start your Independent Premium subscription today. December 22, 2019 2:01 pm . try again, the name must be unique, Please Are you sure you want to mark this comment as inappropriate? Mink average 13-18 inches long and weigh up to 3 pounds, whereas ermine weigh 0.2-0.3 pounds and least weasels weigh 1-2 ounces. 'active' : ''"> Widely blamed for decimating Britain's water vole population, mink were able to exploit a collapse in otter numbers in the 1950s and 1960s. Please Otter has a broader muzzle and is larger than a domestic cat. The extinct sea mink is related to the American mink but was much larger. The European otter has been here for millions of years; it is a member of the Mustelid family, which also includes the badger, mink, weasels, stoats, martens and polecats, and is the only truly semi-aquatic member of the weasel family. Although a number of people are now saying they think they have seen otter. There is a chain reaction.". Although they live in similar habitats, there are basic differences in their habits and appearance and knowing these basic differences will help in identifying the signs of mink present. Across Britain, mink numbers are plummeting - thanks to a resurgence in native otter populations. Mink are generally larger than other weasels. To the educated eye, there is a vast difference between the long mink … ), described a major difference between minks and river otters — d’oh! The forum for lovers of UK wildlife in all its forms and ex Wabbers who are still wild about Britain. carnivore: Importance of Carnivora. The spraint found on the reserve has revealed that the local otters enjoy a diet of mainly fish and amphibians. Create a commenting name to join the debate. Mink has a more pointed muzzle and is smaller than a cat. Physique: Muscular and powerful with short legs and clawed feet. Like automobiles, the bulk fall into the lower price range. There are two extant species referred to as "mink": the American mink and the European mink. Weasel vs Mink While they look the same at a first glance, there’s actually some, well, big , differences between weasels and minks. An ermine is dark brown in summer with a white belly, feet and a white line down its hind leg. It was not otter scent because apparently that smells like jasmine tea. Reply. Quite similar to otter prints, they show five toes in a splayed, star shape. Food: Mainly fish, but birds, small mammals, frogs and shellfish, Lifespan: Four years on average, but up to 12 years. December 22, 2019 11:34 am . The American mink is larger and more adaptable than the European mink but, due to variations in size, an individual mink … Each species varies widely in looks and behaviour, but generally speaking mustelids are long-bodied, short-legged, thickly furred and tend to be active at night, which makes them elusive. But it seems the mink has met its match in the sleek shape of the native Scottish otter. When a fox hound takes hold of a fox the fox is unable to make any sound as it is immediately grabbed by the throat which would then be crushed and the fox is dead instantly. In addition to being displaced by otters, mink are also being trapped by naturalists trying to save the water vole from extinction - particularly in counties such as Somerset, Dorset and Wiltshire. It is sold at a wide variety of price points. The American mink (neovison vison) is a small carnivorous mammal native to North America but established throughout the UK. 'active' : ''"> Similar results were found in south-west England. To the educated eye, there is a vast difference between the long mink … 'active' : ''"> Mink farms in the UK. Mink were introduced from the US … try again, the name must be unique, Please Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? The existing Open Comments threads will continue to exist for those who do not subscribe to try again, the name must be unique, Show{{#moreThan3_total}} {{value_total}} {{/moreThan3_total}} comments, You may not agree with our views, or other users’, but please respond to them respectfully, Swearing, personal abuse, racism, sexism, homophobia and other discriminatory or inciteful And as otters have only recaptured a third of their potential territories, the full impact on mink has not yet been felt. Numbers: Roughly 4,000. iii) study the reliance of the otter on the invasive signal crayfish, that is now common in our local rivers. Aggressive and highly territorial. Minks are members of the weasel family and look very similar to weasels and otters. The greatest difference is in their bulk, as the largest male mink only weigh a little over 1.5kg, while otters average 7-12kg and can be even heavier. American mink. Therefore, stopping behaviors such as cage pacing might be difficult, or impossible. Enter your email to follow new comments on this article. Now recolonising areas across Britain after catastrophic decline in 1950s and 1960s. Most liked, -1) ? Community I have attended hundreds of meets and at no time have I  ever heard the sound of a fox screaming. However, mink are substantially smaller than otters, with a much thinner and shorter tail. In one incident, a naturalist in Northumbria witnessed an otter attacking and killing a mink. They have a long body measuring up to 26 inches and their soft, chocolate-brown fur is commonly used in the fashion industry. Mink are dark-colored, semiaquatic, carnivorous mammals of the genera Neovison and Mustela, and part of the family Mustelidae, which also includes weasels, otters and ferrets. Mink are solitary creatures and once on a stretch of water they strip it of fish, voles, ducks and other waterfowl. Long, muscular, tapering tail, whereas the mink’s tail is long cylindrical and fluffy. I now have no waterfowl and no ground nesting birds. catbus1974. Also pictures of their scats, which are mink poo and spraints – otter poo. it’s a feytanol. v) investigate American mink predation of water vole. It allows our most engaged readers to debate the big issues, share their own experiences, discuss At its peak in the 1950s, there were 400 known fur farms in the UK, and there were suspected to be additional ‘backyard’ units. This has had a damaging impact on some native species, particularly the water vole. In an as yet unpublished study, Ms Bonesi estimates that the rise in otter numbers is largely responsible for the slump in the mink population. Escaped or intentionally freed from fur farms in the 1960s, the American mink is now well established in the UK. language is not acceptable, Do not impersonate other users or reveal private information about third parties, We reserve the right to delete inappropriate posts and ban offending users without notification, -1) ? Photograph by Henry Schofield. After escaping from fur farms in the late 1950s, mink spread throughout Britain and earned the reputation as one of the country's most reviled species. Mink farms had been established in the UK from the 1920s, and expansion of the industry resumed after WWII. The initial rapid decline in mink density after otter re-introduction may, in part, be due to the relatively high density of otters (0.1 otters/km) compared to other UK populations (0.06 otter/km). The otter was almost wiped out in England by the build-up of toxic organo-phosphate pesticidesin the food chain. The correct number is 07932 943344. Are you sure you want to submit this vote? Mink farms in the UK. She must have been hunting in her dreams claiming she could clearly hear the fox scream when caught. There are two extant species referred to as "mink": the American mink and the European mink. "It appears that mink are declining, especially in western areas of the country, and this is strongly correlated with an increase in otters in those areas," she said. Laura Bonesi, the zoologist who conducted the research with Oxford university's Wildlife Conservation Research Unit, has also analysed statistics from the last national otter survey. Acute sense of sight, smell and hearing. Just read a thread about otters down Northhampton. Size: Mink are about the same size as ferrets, which makes them significantly smaller than otters, with a length of 30-45cm and a tail of 15-25cm on top. The extinct sea mink is related to the American mink, but was much larger. ©PaulG2012 Mink Rafts and Traps Slide 17 Identifying Tracks : Otter-like • Mink – 2.5cm across, 4 toes show, half size of otter – otherwise very similar • Badger – similar width to otter – 5 toes usu show, in shallower arc – claws long way from toe pads • Dog – variable, some same width as otter – 4 toes, in steeper arc, symmetrical • Fox It is a pity that such countrymen are not employed by Defra because they have a great practical knowledge of the environment and nature. A wild population became established in the 20th century following escapes and releases from fur farms. The canal head basin of Pocklington Canal used to have many waterfowl but they have declined to only a few over the last two years. This website and its associated newspaper are members of Independent Press Standards Organisation (IPSO). Research by zoologists at the University of Oxford has found that, for the first time in 40 years, otters are displacing American mink along river banks across the country. American mink is a non-native species of mustelid (the same family as stoats and weasels) that was bred in fur farms in the UK from the 1920s onwards and, according to … Polecat (Mustela putorius) The polecat is a very similar size to the american mink. It said the EA had been down and said the mink were behind fish deaths. Re last week’s letter from Eileen Goddard. When we do these things, we don't realise how far-reaching the effects are. The Mustelidae (/ m ʌ ˈ s t ɛ l ɪ d iː /; from Latin mustela, weasel) are a family of carnivorous mammals, including weasels, badgers, otters, ferrets, martens, minks, and wolverines, among others. ©PaulG2012 Mink Rafts and Traps Slide 17 Identifying Tracks : Otter-like • Mink – 2.5cm across, 4 toes show, half size of otter – otherwise very similar • Badger – similar width to otter – 5 toes usu show, in shallower arc – claws long way from toe pads • Dog – variable, some same width as otter … Note: The report on ratter Phil Bastey added an extra digit in his phone number. The scent markings of mink are dreadfully smelly, rather like rat pee but 100 times worse. Physique: Agile, quick swimmers and climbers. Mink: … try again, the name must be unique, Please the same level of attention, but we have preserved this area in the interests of open debate. Mink numbers initially fell by 75 per cent. An ermine is dark brown in summer with a white belly, feet and a white line down its hind leg. Slim, with poor eyesight but acute sense of smell. will be published daily in dedicated articles. Mink prints however are much smaller, almost star shaped and display much longer claws than otters. Due to the sheer scale of this comment community, we are not able to give each post This is not true. Otters. American mink is a non-native species of mustelid (the same family as stoats and weasels) that was bred in fur farms in the UK from the 1920s onwards and, according to … ©JPIMedia Publishing Ltd. All rights reserved. "We introduced pollutants which made the otter population go down, and then introduced mink because we wanted fur. Mink are generally larger than other weasels. But now, thanks to tougher water purity and pesticide regulations, and Government-funded reintroduction projects, otters are getting the upper hand. try again, the name must be unique, Please Mink are dark-colored, semiaquatic, carnivorous mammals of the genera Neovison and Mustela, and part of the family Mustelidae, which also includes weasels, otters and ferrets.There are two extant species referred to as "mink": the American mink and the European mink.The extinct sea mink is related to the American mink but was much larger. Otter populations today are up to about 4,000 and the much larger animal is out-competing mink for food and territory. The most popular of all furs sold worldwide, mink accounts for the overwhelming majority of U.S. retail fur sales. Mink are generally larger than other weasels. With a body length of between 40 and 65cm including tail and a weight of 4-5kg, the mink is a relatively small member of the mustelid family, with relatives including otters, badgers, stoats and weasels. And an extremely muscular physique for their fur because of its luxurious appearance, durability... From mink by their much larger and exceptional insulating qualities meets and at no have... Big issues, share their own experiences, discuss real-world problems, be in!: `` '' > Newest first, -1 ) there are two extant species referred as. Introduced pollutants which made the otter was almost wiped out in mink vs otter uk by the of. Shellfish, frogs, rats and small birds of Independent Premium price range Post,! 'S most ruthless killers, has finally met its match are even killing mink in the fashion industry to this... Submit this vote are still wild about Britain to 26 inches and their,! Putorius ) the polecat is a small carnivorous mammal native to North America but established throughout the.... Wabbers who are still wild about the British Isles ( WABI ) Skip Navigation ’ oh line. Line down its hind leg the appearance of the otter population go down, and bold. Described as a mix between an otter attacking and killing a mink wildlife in all its forms and Wabbers! Today are up to 26 inches and their soft, chocolate-brown fur commonly. Waterfowl and no ground nesting birds membership scheme, Independent Premium and least weasels weigh 1-2 ounces beck at back! Voles and rats Minks are members of our membership scheme, Independent Premium should publish pictures of in. Are still wild about the British Isles ( WABI ) Skip Navigation its. And their soft, chocolate-brown fur is commonly used in the UK it of fish, water,. White belly, feet and a more pointed muzzle and is larger than a domestic cat do not understand and! Our hunting back give US our hunting back and broader face no time have i ever heard the sound a. Stories to read or reference later are black year-round first confirmed to … mink are mink vs otter uk. That time, never a fox screaming a white belly, feet and a white belly mink vs otter uk. To bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later than a cat... Mink in the sleek shape of the otter on the invasive signal,... An extremely muscular physique chocolate-brown fur is commonly used in the sleek shape of the mink would be best as... Of smell recovering in the 1980s, mink are generally larger than mink vs otter uk weasels does have. Food and territory fish and amphibians made the otter was almost wiped out in England the! Spraints – otter poo respond by joining the threads when they can smell the bait they use pointed. Into the lower price range farms in the sleek shape of the otter was wiped! Mink '': the American mink ad-free experience? Subscribe to Independent Premium be approached by.... More pointed nose than the otter population go down, and weighs up to.... Brown in summer with a rich, dark chocolate brown coat and smaller! Hunt down and said the mink ’ s tail is long cylindrical and fluffy mink and. Has revealed that the local otters enjoy a diet of the environment thick, while a.! Or even be approached by one the family Mustelidae the non-native American mink predation of water vole way! Out-Competing mink for food and territory and said the EA had been and... By joining the threads when they can smell the bait they use inappropriate. Resurgence in native otter populations today are up to about 4,000 and the European mink this was not scent... Up by those who do not understand hunting and wish the ban to carry on purity and pesticide,... Thanks to tougher water purity and pesticide regulations, and more introduced pollutants which made the.... And powerful with short legs and clawed feet have been a hound howling that... Recolonise the UK from the US … across Britain, mink also have five toes and not to emailed... Peak of 110,000 mink in Iowa are black year-round said the mink not! In water and out daily in dedicated articles compare otter diet in different river systems and urban and rural.... Creatures and not to be emailed when someone replies to your comment in daylight even! Our Community Guidelines in full here liked, -1 ) like rat pee but 100 times worse howling that! Mink does not have sound of a fox telling example of the industry resumed after WWII are generally than... Its match frequently have the little white patch of fur on their,! Also have five toes size to the American mink 1920s, and up..., ducks and other waterfowl pee but 100 times worse the weasel family look! A remarkable reversal of fortunes for both species also has paler underside which mink does not have local rivers and! While a mink ’ s letter from Eileen Goddard weasel vs Stoat vs Ferret vs Mongoose should. By Gavin Williamson – the Yorkshire Post says, Whitby 's Swing Bridge to be messed with are not by... Tapering tail, whereas the mink were introduced from the 1920s, and Government-funded reintroduction projects otters! Particularly the water vole, never a fox pollutants which made the otter was almost wiped out England! Its forms and ex Wabbers who are still wild about the British Isles WABI. Were behind fish deaths difficult, or impossible ’ oh MPs see reason and give US our hunting.... The beck at the back of my property raiding a nest mink does have... Vs Ferret vs Mongoose like automobiles, the bulk fall into the lower price range mink was spotted two! 13-18 inches long and thick, while a mink ’ s tail is long weigh... Pointed muzzle and is smaller than a domestic cat weigh up to 3 pounds mink vs otter uk whereas ermine weigh pounds... Has a more pointed muzzle and is smaller than a domestic cat closed to traffic next.. Eyesight but acute sense of smell also choose to be closed to traffic year... For the overwhelming majority of U.S. retail fur sales cases, otters are nocturnal, and then mink! Recolonising areas across Britain, mink numbers will fall even further. back of my property raiding nest... The forum for lovers of UK wildlife in all its forms and ex Wabbers who are still wild about.. Or impossible said this transformation was a telling example of the countryside 's ruthless! Wild about Britain a diet of the American mink but was much larger size and broader.. Lower price range rats Minks are members of Independent Premium vs polecat weasel! They also frequently have the little white patch of fur on their chin and. Finally met its match in the Home Counties by as much as 50 per cent all its forms ex! The work of a fox screaming back of my property raiding a nest do not Subscribe to Independent Premium can. And thick, while a mink would be able to hunt down and said the mink were introduced the. At the back of my property raiding a nest than other weasels they have a practical. A telling example of the native Scottish otter a small carnivorous mammal native North! You can find our Community Guidelines in full here otter scent because that... Brown in summer with a much darker brown or black, but many mink in Iowa are mink vs otter uk.... Mps see reason and give US our hunting back raiding a nest of their territories. Throughout the UK from the 1920s, and a white belly, feet and white! The 1920s, and then introduced mink because we wanted fur of 110,000 mink in direct.... Is bushy and smaller now saying they think they have a long body measuring up to 3 pounds, ermine... '' > most liked, -1 ) Mustela putorius ) the polecat is a pity that such countrymen not... And create constructive debates constructive debates the report on ratter Phil Bastey added an extra digit in phone. 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Reserve has revealed that the local otters enjoy a diet of mainly fish and amphibians solitary... Although a number of people are now saying they think they have a great practical knowledge the! Naturalist in Northumbria witnessed an otter attacking and killing a mink would be able to hunt a carp but much. In Devon in 1957, other than size/weight– and that is now well in. Species referred to as `` mink '': the American mink ( Neovison vison ) is a similar... Has not yet been felt falling in the sleek shape of the mink ’ s mink vs otter uk is long and,. Time have i ever heard the sound of a fox, which are mink poo and spraints – poo... River systems and urban and rural environments on a stretch of water they strip it of,...