February and March are the
mating season for American Mink in our area.
As a result they are more active than usual with the males traveling
long distances in search of receptive females.
This increase in activity makes them more visible to observers and
photographers. On a recent morning I
photographed a mink gathering leaves and dried grass to line her nest. Perhaps in anticipation of giving birth in
March or April...
On another encounter I
photographed this mink with fresh wounds on the back of her neck. Their mating process is violent, with
the male typically biting the female on the nape of the neck and pinning her with
his forefeet...
The mink in the next two photos shows evidence of recent
injury to its’ left rear leg. Possibly
from fighting with another male...
This mink is rubbing its’ chin, throat,
and chest on a log. They have scent
glands in these areas and this is thought to be a method of communicating with
others...
In the same area, I found two mink with freshly caught rainbow trout and sunfish...
One of the most advantageous traits of the mink is that, like its’ cousins the weasel and wolverine, it is fearless and does not retreat in the presence of humans. In many of the photos I have taken the mink is looking at me with no indication of alarm...
I appreciate your visits and comments. Stop back soon.
Magique cette rencontre, si bien illustrée!
ReplyDeleteHello Steve
ReplyDeleteWhat a great pictures, specialy with the big fish.
Greetings Bets
I am so grateful to read this such a wonderful post.
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