American Mink Neogale vison
Identification
This slender carnivore has dark brown fur and a white chin patch. It has a long body adapted for hunting in water.
Location
Common statewide
Size
1.5 to 3 pounds
Diet
It feeds on fish amphibians small mammals and birds.
Habitat
It occurs along streams wetlands and lakeshores.
Activity Period
Year round
Behavior
It is solitary and highly active. It swims well and hunts along shorelines. It is active year round.
Lifecycle
Breeding occurs in late winter and kits are born in spring.
Population
The population is stable statewide.
History
It has long been native to Ohio.
Human Interactions
It occasionally preys on poultry near farms.
Facts
It is closely related to the extinct sea mink.
Sources
ODNR NatureServe
Fish amphibians small mammals birds | Streams wetlands lakeshores | Statewide