March Minkness

When your desk faces out the window onto the Wood River, you can't help but notice patterns of animal behavior. One of the interesting animals we have noticed out and about every March is the mink (Mustela vison). Today, as if right on schedule, I saw a beautiful dark brown mink running along the bank across from my window. He ran in hopping motions through the brush, then swam the short span across the outlet to Baker Brook, before hopping back onto land and heading towards the dam. It is unusual to see them out and about at 2 in the afternoon, since they are mostly nocturnal or crepuscular (out at dawn and dusk). Yet every March we have noticed one or two of them running along the river banks. Since their mating season is from late February to early April (Mammals of New England by A. J. Godin, 1977) we have surmised that they be out during the day for some extra curricular activities. And since we see them every March, it must mean that they are successful in these activities.

Mink are a member of the weasel family, about the size of a house cat though much thinner, according to Godin. Well adapted to living near wetlands, they are wonderful swimmers and skillful hunters. Godin also notes that they are ... "restless and curious, some mink are bold enough to try to steal fish caught by fisherman." While I have never heard any complaints about them from the local fisherman, I am always glad to see them in March.

Photo is from: http://suny.albany.k12.ny.us/spring2007/hudsonriver/Hudson_River_SectionA/Mink.htm