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American Mink (Neogale vison)
Date of admission: June 4, 2026.
Reason for admission: Orphaned.
Patient History:
The American Mink is a small, semi-aquatic member of the weasel family found throughout wetlands across Canada. In Alberta, they inhabit the boreal forest, foothills, and Rocky Mountain regions, where they spend much of their time along the edges of rivers, lakes, marshes, and streams.
American minks have sleek, chocolate-brown fur that often appears almost black, especially when wet, along with a long, slightly bushy tail. They are agile climbers, excellent swimmers, and rely on their keen sense of smell to locate prey and detect potential threats. Although they are primarily nocturnal or most active at dawn and dusk, minks may be seen at any time of day. They typically den in abandoned burrows along the water's edge, often beneath tree roots or in old rabbit burrows lined with dry vegetation, fur, and feathers.
As skilled predators, American minks feed on fish, frogs, crayfish, small mammals, birds, and insects. Their presence is often an indicator of a healthy wetland ecosystem, as they depend on clean water, abundant prey, and well-vegetated shorelines. By helping regulate populations of small animals, they play an important role in maintaining the balance of freshwater habitats.
Like their skunk relatives, American minks possess scent glands that produce a strong-smelling musk used for communication, marking territory, and self-defence. While they are capable of releasing this scent when threatened, they generally prefer to avoid conflict whenever possible.
This spring, AIWC welcomed an orphaned American mink that arrived with her eyes still closed, just 3–4 weeks old. At this age, young minks require around-the-clock specialized care, including frequent formula feedings and careful monitoring, as they are still completely dependent on their mother. Today, she is thriving in rehabilitation; her eyes are open, she is self-feeding, and she has graduated to a larger enclosure as she continues to grow and develop. She will remain in our care until she is old enough to survive independently in the wild. Thank you for helping support her journey back to the wild!