Disclaimer:

The Nonindigenous Occurrences section of the NAS species profiles has a new structure. The section is now dynamically updated from the NAS database to ensure that it contains the most current and accurate information. Occurrences are summarized in Table 1, alphabetically by state, with years of earliest and most recent observations, and the tally and names of drainages where the species was observed. The table contains hyperlinks to collections tables of specimens based on the states, years, and drainages selected. References to specimens that were not obtained through sighting reports and personal communications are found through the hyperlink in the Table 1 caption or through the individual specimens linked in the collections tables.

---

Common name: American Mink

Taxonomy: available through www.itis.gov

Identification: A medium sized member of the Musetlid or weasel family, with small ears and webbed feet. Coat colors are variable, ranging from light brown to black in wild animals, and white to brown to blue to black in captive animals (Herter, 1972; Nowak and Paradiso, 1983).

Size: Body Length 31-45 cm, Tail Length 16-25 cm, 400-1600 g

Native Range: Native to most of North America from Florida to Alaska, absent from parts of southern and southwestern U.S., Pacific coastal islands, and northern Canada.

Alaska	Hawaii	Puerto Rico & Virgin Islands	Guam Saipan

Hydrologic Unit Codes (HUCs) Explained
Interactive maps: Point Distribution Maps

Ecology: Typically found around water, American mink are generalist predators consuming a wide range of rodents and other small mammals, fishes, amphibians, crustaceans, and birds (Herter, 1972; Nowak and Paradiso, 1983).

Means of Introduction: Probably escaped or released from a fur farm.

Status: Established on Kodiak Island and surrounding islands in Alaska.

Impact of Introduction: There is concern that American mink will eat native animals including nesting birds, and compete with native predators on Kodiak Island. The impacts of feral American mink in Europe are well-documented (Bonesi and Palazon, 2007).

References: (click for full references)

Bonesi, L. and S. Palazon. 2007. The American mink in Europe: Status, impacts, and control. Biological Conservation 134(4):470-483.

Herter, K. 1972. The Mustelids. Pages 35-89 in Grzimek, B, ed. Grzimek's Animal Encyclopedia. Volume Volume 12, Mammals III. Von Nostrand Reinhold Company. New York. NY.

Nowak, R.M. and J.L. Paradiso. 1983. Walker's mammals of the world. Volume II. 4th edition. The Johns Hopkins University Press, Baltimore, MD.

Author: Jonathan Freedman

This information is preliminary or provisional and is subject to revision. It is being provided to meet the need for timely best science. The information has not received final approval by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) and is provided on the condition that neither the USGS nor the U.S. Government shall be held liable for any damages resulting from the authorized or unauthorized use of the information.