Mink

As a mink two predator species from the marten family ( Mustelidae ) are referred to:

• European mink (Mustela lutreola )
• American mink ( Neovison vison).

Both are semi- aquatic (some living in water ) animals, which are characterized by their dense, waterproof coat. Because of this coat, they were intensively hunted, the American (but not European) mink is therefore also bred in fur farms. As a refugee captivity of American mink is now widespread in Europe and has the European mink largely displaced.

The minks are no systematic group ( taxon ). The American mink and exterminated in the 19th century Seenerz form a separate genus Neovison, while the European mink is classified together with the polecats and weasels in the genus Mustela. Another marten nature, the fire weasel, is sometimes referred to as Siberian mink.