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The species European mink belongs to the family of mustelids. According to the external characteristics, this animal is very similar to a ferret or a column, and in its dimensions and general structure of its body is very similar to other small animals that belong to Kunim. The adult male has a body length of about 30-45 cm, with an average tail length of 12-16 cm.
Appearance
These mink bodies are elongated, legs are rather short. Between the fingers there are swimming membranes. On their hind legs, they are very well developed. The head of the representatives of the species is of medium size, the muzzle is somewhat stupid. Ears are wide, but at the same time low. The length of the tail does not exceed the length of the body of the European mink.
In winter, the body is covered with very dense and thick fur. It is silky to the touch, beautifully shines in the sun. But at the same time their winter coat is short.Since the animal spends most of its time near the water, this affected the structure of its fur. Their padding is well developed, growing thickly. Above the same grow thick hair that glitters in the sun. Almost throughout the body of the animal, the density of the skin is the same. But on the tail and paws the wool is not fluffy, it fits.
In winter, the fur has a predominantly dark brown color. But some minks turn brown or almost black. In the summer, the fur becomes even shorter, it is more rare and not so shiny. The color remains almost the same, but it acquires a reddish tint and brightens slightly.
The whole body of these animals has a uniform color. But there are white marks on the lips and chin. White spots of different shapes can also be on the chest or neck.
Habitat
By mail, all representatives of this species live in Russia, but only in the European part of the country. Sometimes these animals can also be found near the tributaries of the Ob.
Today, there are several subspecies of the European mink. These are northern, central Russian, and also Central European. There is another subspecies - North Caucasian mink.
In recent years, there has been a very low abundance of the species. At the same time, it is constantly decreasing in our time. Earlier this animal could be seen everywhere on the territory of the range. Today it is a big rarity. Animals prefer to settle in the most favorable conditions for themselves. The low population density of the area, as well as the decrease in the number, is due to the fact that recently there has been a displacement of representatives of the species by the American mink. In addition, many reservoirs dry up, and the rest become unsuitable for the life of this animal.
As a rule, minks prefer to settle near forest rivers and streams, which in winter do not completely freeze. For the mink does not matter the depth of the reservoir. European species do not like to settle in large reservoirs, which is not the case with American ones. They also eschew the territories where human settlements are located nearby.
It is very important for mink that in winter there will be Puddleniki, from which they get food for themselves.They do not spread throughout the territory for several reasons: along the coastline, they feel unsafe if the terrain is littered, swamped, or overgrown with bushes on it. They do not settle where the pond freezes. These animals live mainly near the shore, even in search of food, they do not move further than 100 m from the reservoir. One individual moves through the territory of no more than 2–3 km. Her habitat depends on whether she can find enough food on him.
Lifestyle
A mink shelter is a hole. They equip them on their own, but sometimes they can live in the burrows of a muskrat. Mink dwellings may be several. This is one constant and several temporary.
Permanent burrow is brood. Animals arrange them on the shore of the reservoir in a fairly dry place. Typically, these minks are under the roots of a tree and near water. Minks make 1-2 entrances to their permanent burrow. If the shore is very steep, the entrance may be under water.
The stroke length is 1-1.5 m. Next is a nest chamber of relatively small size. The animal lined it with grass and bird feather. In addition to this major hole in the habitat, the animal makes several more refuges for itself. They can be under the roots of large trees or in the hollow of a fallen tree.Mink chooses a place. Where she can hide from the enemy.
What to eat?
The nutrition of these animals is varied. They are predators, therefore food is sought in the water and on the coastal territory. Depending on the season, yield, and the diversity of fauna in this particular area.
In winter, the European standard feeds mainly on small rodents, frogs, and also fish. If food is enough, the animal stockpiles it. In the warm season, these animals can hunt at any time of the day. But most often they are looking for prey at night, at dawn or at dusk.
Twice a year, these animals are particularly active. The first time is in the spring, when the otters mating season begins. In the fall, young individuals settle, animals seek a more favorable area for life.
Since the mink usually lives very secretively, it is difficult to see it in nature. Fishermen meet this animal early in the morning.
The fact that the mink lives on the shore can be seen on the characteristic tracks. They are similar to the tracks that leave the ferret, but more rounded and larger in size. Mink puts its feet slightly wider than the ferret.
During the day, these animals can walk a different distance. In the summer and autumn, it is up to 500 m. And in the winter - up to 200 m. It is also possible to distinguish the mink tracks from the tracks of the ferret also by the fact that its course is very fussy.
Breeding
The reproduction period of minks falls on the second half of April. The duration of pregnancy is approximately 1.5 months. 3-7 pups are born at a time. They are born small, their eyes are closed. The female feeds them for 2 months with milk, but when they are about a month old, she begins to accustom them to regular food. Kids grow very fast. Already in July, they are selected from the mother's mink, and a month later they are able to get their own food.
In the fall, the young disperse, begin to live independently. They find for themselves the territory along the coast, dig holes. The molting period lasts from spring to early winter.
The enemies
The most dangerous enemy for representatives of this species in nature is the otter. If an otter wants to settle on the territory of the mink, it can drive it away or kill it. American mink and forest ferrets also compete for them.
Previously, this animal was considered a source of valuable fur, but today they are very few in number. Today it is a rare animal, it is impossible to hunt them.
Video: how to keep mink at home?
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