The American mink, often simply called “mink,” escaped from fur farms in the mid-20th century and is now established across much of the country. It is a highly capable predator, taking a wide range of prey including ground-nesting seabirds and native water voles, whose numbers have been severely affected. An excellent swimmer, the mink can enter burrows at the water’s edge, allowing it to reach young water voles inside. Mink defend territories along waterways, with dens typically close to the water. Females produce a single litter each year, usually four to six kits. Compared with the shy and elusive otter, mink are far more likely to be seen.