Science & Nature • Mammal

Mink

Minks are semiaquatic carnivorous mammals in the weasel family (Mustelidae).

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Minks are semiaquatic carnivorous mammals in the weasel family (Mustelidae). The term usually refers to the American mink and the European mink, both of which are native to the Northern Hemisphere. Minks are known for their long, slender bodies, dark fur, and strong association with wetlands and waterways.

Description

Minks are small to medium-sized mustelids with a slender build, short legs, and dark brown to black fur. They are semiaquatic and have waterproofing features that help them live around water.

Habitat and range

Minks live near freshwater and coastal habitats such as streams, rivers, lakes, marshes, and coastlines. They occur in the Northern Hemisphere, with native populations in North America and Europe. The American mink has spread widely beyond its native range in some regions.

Diet and behaviour

Minks are carnivores and opportunistic predators. Their prey includes small mammals, fish, birds, amphibians, and other animals found in and around water.

Relationship to humans

Minks have long been valued for their fur, and the American mink has also become an invasive species in some places after escapes or releases from fur farms. In Canada, minks are native to parts of the country and are part of wetland wildlife. The American mink is familiar to Canadian readers both as a wild animal and through the country’s historical fur trade.

Key facts

Minks are members of the weasel family and are adapted to life near water.
There are two living species commonly called mink: the American mink and the European mink.
Minks have long, thin bodies, short legs, dark fur, and a bushy tail.
They are carnivores that eat a wide variety of animal prey.
Minks are found in or near wetlands, streams, rivers, lakes, and marshes.

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Canadian context

Minks are native to parts of Canada and are part of Canadian wetland wildlife. The American mink is familiar to Canadian readers both as a wild animal and through the country’s historical fur trade.

Frequently asked questions

What is a mink?

A mink is a semiaquatic carnivorous mammal in the weasel family, usually referring to the American mink or European mink.

Where do minks live?

Minks live near water in wetlands, rivers, lakes, marshes, streams, and coastal habitats, mainly in the Northern Hemisphere.

What do minks eat?

Minks eat small animals such as fish, birds, amphibians, crayfish, eggs, and small mammals like mice, rats, and muskrats.

Are minks dangerous?

Minks are wild predators and can bite or defend themselves if threatened, but they are not generally considered dangerous to people.

What is the difference between a mink and a weasel?

A mink is a type of mustelid, so it is related to weasels but is generally larger, more strongly built, and more strongly associated with water.

References

Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mink
Supports: Minks are semiaquatic carnivorous mammals in Mustelidae; two extant species are commonly called mink.
Encyclopaedia Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/animal/mink
Supports: Mink are two species in the weasel family native to the Northern Hemisphere.
New York State Department of Environmental Conservation — https://dec.ny.gov/nature/animals-fish-plants/mink
Supports: Physical description, habitat, and diet of mink.
Minnesota Department of Natural Resources — https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/mammals/mink.html
Supports: Habitat, description, diet, and aquatic hunting behaviour.
Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation — https://www.wildlifedepartment.com/wildlife/field-guide/mammals/mink
Supports: Diet and general natural history of mink.