The mink is one of the most important members of the weasel family-the Mustelidae and it is a very important predator within the Platte River Watershed. Mink are a lot like weasels, but somewhat heavier in build. Mink are mostly brown, darker on the back, and deepening to black on the tail. The chin is more or less white. White spots frequently appear on the throat, breast or belly of the mink. Unlike weasels, mink do not turn white in the Fall.

The fur of the northern mink is highly valuable when taken during the cold months. The trapping of mink not only puts money into the trapper's pocket but also into the farmer's.

The mink is a nocturnal animal that preys on fish and amphibians in the water, mice, and ground squirrels in their leafy homes with equal ability, thus making it the most versatile member of its family.

Its habitat is in a forest next to a river bed or a swamp. It is always only a couple jumps from a safe hiding place in case it needs to get away from an enemy. The mink is so commonly found in the Platte River Watershed, because of the fact that they like the woodsy, river bed area. They depend on the high quality of the watershed to feed them and give them shelter.

Back