Mink

 
 

Mink are medium-sized (20.5"-27" long), slender, long-bodied mammals, similar to a weasel.  Otherwise similar except for coloration and tail that is only 1/3 the size of the body (shorter than weasel).  Mink are brown, being a bit darker on the back and toward the tail tip.  Chin is white and white spots occur irregularly on underparts.  Summer coat is slightly lighter.  Not commonly white.  Mink are found throughout most of the U.S. and Canada except for the desert southwest.  They are always found near permanent water, spending much of their time along shorelines.  They den under roots of trees, under banks, in hollow trees, or in muskrat lodges.  They are primarily nocturnal but occasionally come out during the day.  Like weasels, they are very aggressive and attack animals larger than themselves.  They feed on mice and rabbits as well as fish, crayfish, and frogs.  Mink pelts are widely used in fur products, and domestic mink are often raised on farms for this purpose.