Young Mink?

[Beekeeper]

Originally Posted by eeyore

yes those are definitely young mink - hopefully the next shots someone takes at them will be with a rifle.

My sentiments entirely.

Ian

[Dogghound]

Originally Posted by eeyore

yes those are definitely young mink -

What feature are you using to age these? Clearly the fact two were in close proximity and time of year support juveniles. I just wondered if there was an identification feature you are using from the photos, as I personally wouldnt rule out adult from these shots.

[BillyPilgrim]

Originally Posted by Dogghound

What feature are you using to age these? Clearly the fact two were in close proximity and time of year support juveniles. I just wondered if there was an identification feature you are using from the photos, as I personally wouldnt rule out adult from these shots.

I know this is aimed at Eeyore but as I was there I might as well give my view.

I thought they were young for a few reasons...

They were both together and emerged from the same place. I've since read that they are solitary animals and wouldn't tolerate an intruder on their territory.

They looked too playful and carefree and one of them seemed to be chasing the other. I was sat less than 20 feet from them, completely in the open and the shutter on my camera was making noise as it fired away. One of them did dart back under cover but the one in the pictures just stared at the camera before going about his business.

I've also seen what I reckon are their parents (at different times) and they were quite a bit bigger and a lot more wary. I was sat in a dark hide but they both noticed me the moment I turned my head towards them and quickly scarpered.