"SAY HELLO TO MR. WHISKERS"

Mink (North American) - 8 Photos

This mink was not there for a long time but it definitely was a good time (at least for the photographer).

Having sat next to a fast moving creek for some time looking for wildlife, I had almost called it a day when suddenly (as minks do), this mink appeared on a fallen tree surveying the water below. In the time, I grabbed the camera, he disappeared. I thought I had lost the opportunity but waited and 30 minutes later, he reappeared (Photo #1), walked down the log (Photo #2 through Photo #4) and went into a small beaver lodge. 

A few seconds later, a mink head emerged out from behind the logs (Photo #5 through Photo #8). Several seconds later, back he went in again. I could hear splashing coming from below which I assume was from the mink fishing under the water next to the lodge. After some time, he showed up on top of the lodge, presumably exiting from the other side and headed back upstream.

Minks are one of the smallest of the mustelids but for a mink this fellow is huge, which is why I believe his gender is male. And he has the longest whiskers I've ever seen. Minks live between 3 to 4 years and from his size & a slightly weathered look around his eyes, he may be close to the 4 year mark. Definitely mature & showing some signs of scarring on his face.

PHOTO #1

PHOTO #2

PHOTO #3

PHOTO #4

PHOTO #5

PHOTO #6

PHOTO #7

PHOTO #8