Because the value of their fur, a mink-like animal known in many countries, and this animal ranks first in value of the fur. These animals have always delighted people with its character and behavior.
They are very playful and affectionate. Will delight even the present snob. Animals are so cute that they have some time ago began to domesticate people.
Looks like the European mink
Looks like a mink? It is the representative of the family Mustelidae, mammal predator. Has a flexible and elongated form of body, the tail is not very fluffy and the length does not exceed 18 cm, on average, 15-17 see
Small rounded ears are decorated with a narrow face. Due to the density of the coat, ears almost imperceptibly. In length this animal can grow up to 50-60 cm high. The weight of this animal ranges from 500-850 grams.
The most valuable is the fur. Fur is short but thick, with an undercoat, which does not miss the cold and moisture. Has a great view of fur in both summer and winter. The color of the fur monotonous, species is not.
The skin has a light red coat, turning into dark brown. Sometimes you meet with a pronounced black colour or bright red individuals. This animal has a distinctive trait is a white spot on the chin or on the chest.
This animal is the mink touches their appearance. Eyes that look like beads, give expression to the face. Limb is short and covered with fur. Fingers webbed for ease in swimming. It is interesting to observe the European mink, when it is in motion. When running she has a habit of jumping.
The way of life of the European mink
The way of life of the European mink was always closely associated with rivers and reservoirs. The most common habitat is cluttered water areas, rivers and various bodies of water, shores, sprouted grass and mud.
Has extensive habitat:
- lake with good thickets;
- reservoirs;
- swamps;
- ponds.
The diet of the European mink does not go beyond its habitat. They look for food in places of their habitat. She’s eating small animals found in ponds. The main dinner consists of fish and rodents.
For rodents is muskrat, and fish include perch, tench, trout and so on. And can also Supplement their diet with frogs and crayfish. If the habitat of the mink village, you can eat at lunch poultry.
In order to overwinter in fullness, the animal prepares supplies for the winter.
Inventories consist of the following:
- Frogs.
- Bird.
- Rodents.
- Fish.
For this the European mink pull out small pools, where they kept immobilized by their bites frogs. We can say, makes winter storage.
Adaptation to the wild
Most active in the twilight time of the day. At that time her hunting. But there are cases that the animal hunts in the afternoon. Water is very little time compared to land. Summer may run about one kilometer along the coast in search of food.
In the winter you have to increase the mileage because of difficulties in search of prey. On snowy surfaces rarely moves, is looking for a trench for concealed movement.
Even in water the European mink short time, they are excellent swimmers. Even if the river is serious, it’s the animal their movements to overcome obstacles and sailing in the right direction.
If the swimming creature will notice the danger to himself, he can dive into the water and swim 15-20 metres to get some rest and also to dive. Why these animals are so like the vegetation of the swamp? Because of the thickets is very convenient for everyone to watch. Has the ability to walk along the bottom. Climbing only if it was really necessary, for example, hiding from something.
Features of the European mink
Home to animal is actually dug the hole which is near the pond. But can use the old, abandoned burrows for their homes. There are times that mink live in hollows, down low and near the water.
These animals are so attached to their burrow, what to leave is only because of the floods or in the absence of food. So they got their name. Referring to the hole not very deep. Has two entrances, one facing the water, and a second exit in case of escape into the Bush. Mink lined her hole with leaves, feathers, grass for ease and comfort.
For the first time these animals were seen in France, Finland and Spain. In our area, this animal appeared much later. In recent years their numbers began to decline.
Today we have several countries of their habitat:
- Ukraine.
- Russia.
- France.
- Romania.
- The Caucasian space.
In Romania these animals are most widespread compared with other countries. Due to the reduction of its population European Caucasian mink and the European mink is listed in the following Red books:
- The Republic Of Bashkortostan.
- The Republic Of Komi.
- Perm Krai.
- Sakhalin.
- Sverdlovsk.
- Novgorod.
- Orenburg.
In Russia, the European mink is protected by all the laws within the reserve.
Anyway sorry for this animal, it is the main prey for poachers. The value of fur hunters do not leave indifferent. It is considered a great wealth, if women fur coat or other article of mink.
