Mink encounter

[glsammy]

Today we had an encounter I wish didn't happen.
We spotted this Mink by a Ford:





We watched him/her go through a reed bed and feared the potential outcome.
Within a few minutes the animal reappeared and I managed to get this sequence of shots as it ran through the Ford.









We waited and saw the mink repeat the episode, obviously taking the young rabbits to its own nest.
This happened in Clumber Park. I reported it to the wardens and showed the images, not sure what they'll do, if anything. My worry is the vulnerability of all the bird life there.I'm keeping my fingers crossed the Mink sticks to rabbits as there's plenty around there.

[Joe662]

So sad seeing these. As all animals they are stunning and upsets me greatly to see them killed. But they dont belong here and believe it is right that they be removed. Expect this one has young at min, so best they act quick. pains me to even be saying that....

[Mark_b]

Stunning photographs!

I think the mink gets a lot of bad press and in some respects it isn’t deserved. Everything that a mink kills could well of been a meal for any other animal, in that respect it is bad as its competing and in some instances out competing our native species. But it shouldn’t be considered an evil killer, as it is no different from our other mustilid species.

The problem being, any attempts to remove mink from an area are in some ways hopeless, as eradication is impossible, especially on a nationwide scale. They are on practically every water course in the UK. We will never become any more ‘over run’ with them as we are now as every population has its limit, trying to lower numbers seems like a fruitless task.

[captivebolt]

Originally Posted by Mark_b

Stunning photographs!

I think the mink gets a lot of bad press and in some respects it isn’t deserved. Everything that a mink kills could well of been a meal for any other animal, in that respect it is bad as its competing and in some instances out competing our native species. But it shouldn’t be considered an evil killer, as it is no different from our other mustilid species.

The problem being, any attempts to remove mink from an area are in some ways hopeless, as eradication is impossible, especially on a nationwide scale. They are on practically every water course in the UK. We will never become any more ‘over run’ with them as we are now as every population has its limit, trying to lower numbers seems like a fruitless task.

I wonder whether otters would agree with you? Or water voles?

Captivebolt

[Naturenutz]

In some respects ,possibly not otter and water vole respects

[blackb1rd]

Originally Posted by captivebolt

I wonder whether otters would agree with you? Or water voles?

Captivebolt

I think it's unlikely that mink have had any impact on otter populations. Otters are considerably larger and since mink have been released and spread across the coutnry otter numbers have also been greatly increasing. We tend to find very few mink signs in areas where we get a lot of otter signs and anecdotal evidence always suggests that mink actively avoid otter areas (much like wild dog numbers being lower in hgih density lion areas etc).

As for water voles I'm sure they'd agree wholeheartedly. Mink really should be eradicated and I (personally) don't think it is an impossible task. Many local wildlife groups already remove them and if this is done at the right time of year and in a methodical fashion I don't see why mink numbers couldn't be reduced to insignificant levels or removed entirely. Otters will push back in and refill the gaps left and mink are unlikely to be able to recolonise so easily.

Anyway, great pictures. Impressive that you managed to see one so clearly let alone get such excellent snaps. Send one of the water crossing ones to BBC wildlife, I'm sure it's good enough for their readers photos section and would help to raise awareness.

[Rob_D]

Originally Posted by Mark_b

The problem being, any attempts to remove mink from an area are in some ways hopeless, as eradication is impossible, especially on a nationwide scale. They are on practically every water course in the UK. We will never become any more ‘over run’ with them as we are now as every population has its limit, trying to lower numbers seems like a fruitless task.

Removing mink from Britain seems like a challenge to me too. Then again, the native polecat was eradicated from England (and almost from Wales too), and that was far more common and widespread than mink are today. It may have taken centuries, but it was achieved. We seem fairly good at eradicating mammals in an uncoordinated way, or just killing them off as a side-effect of other activities, so perhaps it is possible to remove mink with some organisation and persistence.

Great shots Sammy.