Description European mink

1 description

1.1 build
1.2 fur
1.3 differences american mink

description
build

skull, illustrated in miller s catalogue of mammals of western europe (europe exclusive of russia) in collection of british museum

the european mink typical representative of genus mustela, having elongated body short limbs. however, compared close relative, siberian weasel, mink more compact , less thinly built, approaching ferrets , european polecats in build. european mink has large, broad head short ears. limbs short, relatively well-developed membranes between digits, particularly on hind feet. mink s tail short, , not exceed half animal s body length (constituting 40% of length). european mink s skull less elongated kolonok s, more spaced zygomatic arches , has less massive facial region. in general characteristics, skull intermediate in shape between of siberian weasel , european polecat. overall, skull less specialised carnivory of polecats , american mink. males measure 373–430 mm (14.7–16.9 in) in body length, while females measure 352–400 mm (13.9–15.7 in). tail length 153–190 mm (6.0–7.5 in) in males , 150–180 mm (5.9–7.1 in). overall weight 550–800 grams (1.21–1.76 lb). fast , agile animal, swims , dives skilfully. able run along stream beds, , stay underwater 1 2 minutes. when swimming, paddles both front , limbs simultaneously.

fur

european mink face - note white markings on upper lip, absent in american species.

the winter fur of european mink thick , dense, not long, , quite loosely fitting. underfur particularly dense compared of more land-based members of genus mustela. guard hairs quite coarse , lustrous, wide contour hairs flat in middle, typical in aquatic mammals. length of hairs on , belly differ little, further adaptation european mink s semiaquatic way of life. summer fur shorter, coarser , less dense winter fur, though differences less in purely terrestrial mustelids.

in dark coloured individuals, fur dark brown or blackish-brown, while light individuals reddish brown. fur colour evenly distributed on whole body, though in few cases, belly bit lighter upper parts. in particularly dark individuals, dark, broad dorsal belt present. limbs , tail darker trunk. face has no colour pattern, though upper , lower lips , chin pure white. white markings may occur on lower surface of neck , chest. occasionally, colour mutations such albinos , white spots throughout pelage occur. summer fur lighter, , dirty in tone, more reddish highlights.

differences american mink

the european mink similar american mink, several important differences. tail longer in american species, reaching half body length. winter fur of american mink denser, longer , more closely fitting of european mink. unlike european mink, has white patches on both upper , lower lips, american mink never has white marks on upper lip. european mink s skull less specialised american species in direction of carnivory, bearing more infantile features, such weaker dentition , less developed projections. european mink reportedly less efficient american species underwater.