American Mink

Neovision vison

Minks are native to North America and can be found in most of the United States as well as Canada except for the states of Arizona and Hawaii. They are often found along streams, lakes, swamps, and marshes and prefer to den under stones and roots of trees. They are a dark brown color, with white patches on their front near their chin, chest, and throat. Since they are semi-aquatic, their fur is thick and soft with oily guard hairs that waterproof their coat so that they can stay warm and swim. They have long and slender bodies with short legs and a pointy face. They are a part of the Mustelid family which also includes otters, badgers, ferrets, wolverines (which we also have at the zoo), and other weasels. Mustelids are known for being a diverse group of carnivore mammals and can be very intense for their size.  

 Click HERE for an American Mink Activity Sheet!

Our Current Resident

Ivy, Female - Born May 1, 2015

Ivy came to ZooMontana in 2015 from a private fur farm. When looking at Ivy, you may notice that she does not have as long of a tail as other minks and that is because she lost part of it due to cancer back in 2019. Since then, Ivy has been thriving and enjoying her life in her habitat indoors. Since minks are mostly active during the extremely late or early hours, Ivy may not be visible in her habitat. You may; however, notice that there are many blankets on the floor and there is a good chance you may see her moving around underneath them.   

Taxonomy

• Kingdom: Animalia
• Phylum: Chordata
• Class: Mammalia
• Order: Carnivora
• Family: Mustelidae
• Genus: Neovison
• Species: Neovision vison

Animal Facts

Carnivore: fish, insects, birds, and other small animals depending on availability. 

Population Status (according to IUCN): currently listed as Least Concern 

Montana Population Status (according to Montana Field Guide): currently listed as Apparently Secure 

Habitat: along streams, lakes, swamps, marshes, vegetated areas 

Activity: nocturnal (or crepuscular) - mostly active during the night (or dusk and dawn)