Mink

Mink can pose a significant threat to game birds, fish and poultry as well as other species indigenous to the UK. Mink are generally dark brown to black in colour, although this can vary through to white, and their appearance closely resembles that of a weasel or stoat.

The mink breeding season lasts between April and May with only one litter being produced per year. The litter usually contains between 5 and 6 kittens, but litters of up to 10 young have been known.

They tend to live near water and are seldom found far from riverbanks, lakes and marshes. The main source of food is fish, especially eels, but mink will also eat rabbits, birds, and other small mammals.

The lifespan of wild mink is relatively short, averaging 2-3 years although some animals have been known to live for several years.

Mink will devastate the wildlife in its territory, preying on anything it can kill, even ducks. The best method of pest control is to enforce a regular trapping programme.