Mink

Mink (Putorius), a name applied to several carnivores in the same genus as weasel, polecat, ferret, and ermine, and with essentially similar characteristics. The body measures from 12 to 18 inches in length, not including the bushy tail. The colour of the valuable fur is chestnut-brown. The Siberian Vison (P. sibericus), the European Vison (P. lutreola), and the American Mink proper (P. vison) are very nearly related, if indeed they are not simply varieties of one circumpolar species. They all live by rivers and lakes, in which they swim and dive, feeding chiefly on fishes, frogs, mussels, and the like; though not refusing any small mammals which come in their way. They are keen-scented, bold and persistent, but are readily tamed when caught young. See FURS.