American mink

American Mink are native to North America but were introduced to the UK for the fur trade in the 1920s. Since the 1950s they have spread into the wild due to escapes and deliberate introductions.

Mink are very similar to polecats, with almost the same print and a similar-sized body. Field signs are useful to aid identification, however the best way to distinguish between the two is by the white markings on their face.

What’s the problem?

• Mink are opportunistic predators who will happily eat a variety of fish, small mammals, birds, and invertebrates.
• They predate on the native water voles and have virtually wiped out all populations in the Eden.
• They will fiercely protect their waterside habitats, reducing the diversity of riverside mammals.

In the UK, water vole populations have been in decline due to the loss, degradation and fragmentation of their habitat. However, the decline accelerated rapidly following the introduction of mink in the wild and, if uncontrolled, we could see the extinction of water vole in the UK.

The urgency of the situation has resulted in water voles being added as a priority species in the UK Biodiversity Action Plan along with the promotion of humane mink control.

We are currently running a project that has already seen the reintroduction of native water voles to the Lowther/Haweswater area. Combining humane mink control and improvements to habitat, it has created the right conditions for water voles to be successfully reintroduced. Find out more about how we’re bringing water voles back to Eden >>