Collection: American mink

The American mink ( Neovison vison ) is a small, semi-aquatic carnivore found in Quebec's wetlands: rivers, lakes, marshes, and wooded riverbanks. With a dark, glossy brown coat, webbed feet, and an elongated body, it is an excellent swimmer and a formidable hunter. It feeds on fish, amphibians, crustaceans, and small mammals. Solitary and territorial, the mink uses burrows located near water. It is active year-round, including during the winter when it hunts under the ice. Long trapped for its fur, it is still used today in some livestock farms, but its wild populations remain stable in protected areas. The mink plays an essential ecological role in aquatic food chains. Its presence is a good indicator of the quality of riparian habitats. A discreet and elegant animal, it represents the vitality of Quebec's wetland ecosystems.