Mink Slide
Like their cousins the otters, mink will slide down snowy inclines on their bellies, as the slide in this photograph illustrates. They are excellent swimmers and can swim underwater to a depth of 18 feet or for a distance of 100 yards. Look for tracks and slides along streams, in cattail marshes and in swamps, where they forage for crayfish, frogs, fish, small mammals and invertebrates. One of its largest prey is the muskrat. A male mink (larger and stronger than a female mink) captures one by wrapping its body around the muskrat and then biting its neck. Mink make the most of their meals, recycling what they can – the winter nest of one mink consisted almost entirely of the fur of muskrats.
I love your blog. Great photos! And so often what is happening in VT is also happening in NH. I saw a winter crane fly almost the same day of your 2/3 post on them. Covering everything in the woods: plants, animals, trees, insects – even the most knowledgeable person is apt to learn something! Thanks again!
February 8, 2012 at 2:51 pm
Thanks so much for your very kind words, Cindy.
February 8, 2012 at 9:46 pm