The European mink is a predatory fur-bearing animal from the weasel family. Its distinctive feature is its very valuable fur. It is believed that it was the fur that caused the sharp decline in the population of these cute animals.
European mink - who is it?
It is a predatory fur-bearing animal that is related to martens, ferrets, wolverines, weasels and ermines. The favorite habitats of the European mink are quiet backwaters, overgrown with dense bushes, as well as cluttered steep banks of forest streams. The European mink is famous not only for its valuable fur, but also for its swimming membrane that connects the toes: the animal is considered an excellent diver and an excellent swimmer capable of fooling the enemy.
Outwardly, the European mink resembles its closest relatives - the steppe ferret and ermine. Nevertheless, the animal is not as elongated (as, for example, the ermine), and the mink's physique is much denser. The length of the body of the European mink varies from 30 cm to 45 cm, the tail is about 15 cm. This creature weighs up to 800 g. The mink has a short, but very thick and dense pile that does not get wet in water. Fur color ranges from dark brown to reddish and black.
Where does the European mink live?
The main habitats of this creature are Western Siberia, the Caucasus and a number of European forests. Since the population of these creatures has declined sharply over the past few years, they currently inhabit only Western Europe, France, Finland and slightly Poland. The European mink is listed in the Red Book as an endangered species.
The European mink is a real swimmer
The European mink is a semi-aquatic animal: it feels great both in water and on land. The favorite places of the settlement of this creature are flowing reservoirs located in the wilderness. Minks love to swim in steep streams and very slow forest streams.
It is here that the animal finds itself both food and shelter from enemies. Seeing the enemy, the mink throws itself into the water, hiding from pursuit. Zoologists note that European minks not only perfectly dive and swim under the water surface, but also walk perfectly along the bottom of the reservoir. At the same time, the course of the river does not pose any danger to the animal.
European mink is a valuable game animal
From time immemorial, mankind has been mercilessly hunting these animals for their valuable fur: mink coats and hats are very dearly valued at all times. Despite its cunning way of evading pursuit, the European mink nevertheless often falls into traps set by humans. Currently, these creatures are taken under protection: the hunt for them and the shooting is controlled by the state bodies of the Russian Federation.
