American Mink
Neovison vison
Tap image to enlarge · Wikimedia Commons
Overview
The American Mink is one of the most ecologically damaging invasive species in Britain. Released or escaped from fur farms from the 1950s onward, it devastated Water Vole populations (now 95% declined) and impacts ground-nesting birds including Natterjack Toads and Little Terns. It swims and dives well, following water voles into their burrows. The Sefton Coast Partnership controls Mink using licensed trapping to protect Water Voles and ground-nesting birds. They are not native and are a legal target for control.
At a Glance
| Order | Carnivora |
| Family | Mustelidae |
| Habitat | Drainage ditch · River · Pond edge · Marsh |
| Diet | Rabbits, water voles, moorhens, terns, ducks, fish — highly effective predator |
| UK population | Around 40,000 in the UK — an invasive non-native species |
| Sefton Coast | Present in drainage channels and watercourses; main predator of Water Vole and key threat to Natterjack Toad |
| Conservation | UK Green List |
Where to See It
Drainage ditches and watercourses behind the Sefton Coast sea wall. Occasional at Marshside RSPB.
Identification
Like a large Weasel or Polecat. All-dark chocolate-brown with a white chin spot. Long, sleek body. Semi-aquatic — swims readily. Much larger than Weasel or Stoat. Smaller than Otter.
Viewing & Photography Tips
Any large, dark mustelid near water should be checked. American Mink are uniformly dark brown — unlike the paler belly of Otter. Report sightings to the Sefton Coast Partnership so trapping can be directed appropriately.
Conservation Status
UK Green List
This species has a favourable conservation status in the UK and remains an important part of Sefton Coast biodiversity.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is American Mink so damaging to UK wildlife?
American Mink evolved alongside North American prey species that have some behavioural responses to mink predation. UK species — especially Water Voles — have not co-evolved with mink and have no effective defensive behaviours against an animal that can pursue them into their burrows. Mink can eliminate Water Vole colonies from entire river systems within a few seasons. They also raid ground-nesting bird colonies, including tern and gull colonies. Trapping remains the primary control method.
Related Species
Plan your visit to the Sefton Coast
Marshside RSPB, Formby pinewoods, Ainsdale NNR — practical guides to getting there, what to bring, and the best spots for each season.