Description
The mink has a long slender body with short stout legs, standing only about 3 ½ inches at the shoulder. Males are significantly larger than females, enough so that fur prices are usually given for mink by sex. The pelage is dark brown, usually black at the tip of the tail and white under the chin. In some mink a white blaze may also be present on the chest or throat. Mink, like other mustelids, have well-developed scent glands and produce a strong musky odor.

Average Size
Adults weight from 1 ½ to 3 ½ pounds.

Life Expectancy
Approximately 10 years.

Preferred Habitat
Mink are seldom found far from water. They inhabit saltwater marshes, river swamps, and small wooded streams. During winter months mink congregate in the upper reaches of stream systems along the smaller feeder creeks. Mink live in dens under tree roots, bridge crossings, and rock piles, and in holes in stream banks. Males have larger home ranges, extending a mile or more along the stream. They may have several den sites while females generally have only one.