Curious

Managed to find five or six sharpish photos amongst a number of others that came out blurry. Not sure if it was my excitement that caused this or the fact that the Mink's fur was quite wet in many of the photos : ) Always a real treat to see one of these beautiful animals, and it's fun to watch these rather curious - and vicious! - creatures. This is the second time I've seen one in a local park, close enough to see it properly. Seen others maybe two or three times but from a huge distance. I never realized, until perhaps a couple of years ago, that we had Mink here.

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/American_mink

"Mink are ferocious predators that are about the size of a housecat and chocolate-brown in color. Their long, thin bodies, short legs, small eyes and ears, and sleek fur make them just the right size to fit in many holes, crevices and burrows to pursue prey. They may eat ground squirrels, rats, snakes and even birds. Mink are also semi-aquatic and their webbed feet allow them to capture frogs, clams and even fish .... They are generally shy creatures but can be very bold if their curiosity is piqued. Those who are fortunate to observe a mink’s behavior should use caution. The animals have scent glands under the skin and when they get excited or stressed, musk is released. The obnoxious odor can be just as repulsive as a skunk’s." A different website, for Alberta, states that Mink eat ducks, fish, Muskrat and other small birds and rodents.

www.wildlifedepartment.com/wildlifemgmt/species/mink.htm