Mink: Neovison vison
Mink have a long sleek body, thick tail, small ears and small eyes. They are between 1 and 2.5 feet long and weigh up to 4 pounds. These animals are dark-chocolate brown to black in color and sometimes have a patch of white along the chin and throat.
Mink are typically found in or near and around sources of water, although they can also be found on dry land.
Mink are members of the mustelid (or weasel) family, and like other species in this family, are strictly carnivorous. They hunt along banks and within streams or other water sources searching for fish, frogs, crayfish, crabs, and small mammals even as large as muskrats. Mink are most active at night, early in the morning, or late in the evening. Because they are small, fast, and move in and out of the underbrush and water frequently, mink may go unnoticed by humans even in areas where they are common. Biologists are seeking help from the public to report any mink sightings they may have by going to https://public.myfwc.com/hsc/mink. Additional pictures are provided in this link. Fisherman, boaters and other water recreationists are asked to be particularly watchful for mink and report any sightings.
Image Credit: Phil Myers