Facts & Information
What are Mink?
Mink are semi-aquatic, carnivorous mammals. They have glossy, dark-brown fur and are part of the Mustelidae family, which includes weasels and ferrets. Mink are quick on land, skilled swimmers, and excellent tree climbers. They primarily hunt at night and are very difficult to spot because they move swiftly. Mink have slender bodies that are about 2 feet in length and weigh around 1-3 pounds.
Why Do I Have Them?
A mink can single-handedly destroy an entire koi pond if given a chance. Once a mink finds a food source, it will keep coming back for more. They don’t discriminate between the prey’s size – grabbing big and small fish – rarely leaving any evidence behind.
Treatment & Control
How Do I Get Rid of Mink?
Advanced Wildlife and Pest Control specializes in mink removal. Live trapping is the most effective and humane way to remove a weasel. Our wildlife specialist will conduct a thorough inspection of your property to identify problem areas. We will safely catch and relocate mink 30 miles away from your residence.
Our experienced technicians have also noted that mink are more likely to prey on fish from early winter to early spring months. Fish become slow and sluggish due to colder temperatures, making it easier for mink to snatch them. The snow also helps us notice a mink’s path making it easier to trap them.
Breeding Season
Mink breed in February, but reproduction is dependent on the weather conditions. Warmer weather is favorable for the litter’s survival in the spring. The average litter size ranges from 5 to 6 young. Baby mink are born only 31 days after the gestation period and remain with their mother until late summer when they begin to go out independently.
Where Do Mink Live?
Mink are common in Wisconsin, especially near water sources and shorelines. Minks are very territorial, especially males, during the breeding season. They will stay within their territory and visit similar places each hunting trip.
What Do Mink Eat?
Mink are carnivores. These shoreline dwellers primarily prey on fish, frogs, muskrats, waterfowl, snakes, rodents, and other small mammals.