The mink, Mustela vison.

Weasels and Mink

Weasels and mink have similar feeding behaviors, killing prey by biting through the skull, upper neck, or jugular vein (Cahalane 1961). When they raid poultry houses at night, they often kill many birds, eating only the heads of the victims. Predation by rats usually differs in that portions of the body are eaten and carcasses are dragged into holes or concealed places.

Errington (1943) noted that mink, while eating large muskrats, make an opening at the back or side of the neck. As the mink eats away flesh and pieces of the adjacent hide, the ribs, head, and hindquarters are pulled out through the same hole and the animal is skinned. McCracken and Van Cleve (1947) noted similar feeding behavior by weasels eating small rodents.

Teer (1964) observed that blue-winged teal eggs destroyed by weasels were broken at the ends and had openings 1/2 to 3/4 inch (1.5 to 2.0 cm) in diameter. Close inspection of shell remains frequently will disclose finely chewed edges and tiny tooth marks (Rearden 1951).

Weasels den in the ground (for example, in a mole or pocket gopher burrow), under a barn, in a pile of stored hay, or under rocks. Mink dig dens approximately 4 inches (10 cm) in diameter into banks. Mink also use muskrat burrows, holes in logs and stumps, and other natural shelters.

Summary of Damage Prevention and Control Methods

Exclusion

Exclusion usually is the best solution to mink predation on domestic animals. Confine animals in fenced in areas. Seal all openings larger than areas. 1 inch (2.5 cm).

Habitat Modification

Generally not feasible

Frightening

No methods are effective

Toxicants, Fumigants, Repellents

None are registered.

Trapping

Mink can be captured most easily leg hold or Conibear®-type traps, predation on domestic but live traps may work around farmsteads

Shooting

May not be legal. Normally difficult and impractical