Further to the photographic evidence provided by Tommy Hogg to the presence of mink down by the harbour it is interesting to note that the BBC report into a survey into the prospects of mink eradication on Skye quotes:
‘They prey on water voles and have been blamed for almost wiping out ground-nesting birds on Sandaig and the Sound of Sleat on Skye.’
Perhaps they have been attracted to the harbour area by the increase in duck numbers in recent years. They have in fact been present further up the river for some time. Two years ago this observer saw a mink drag a fully grown rabbit into the river just below the railway bridge. The mink drowned the rabbit and then proceeded to haul it up into its burrow underneath some exposed roots of an alder tree. Perhaps the hoodies and black back gulls are not the only culprits down by? More evidence of the varied diet of mink can be had from a report in 1998 following the release of thousands of mink into the New Forest by animal welfare numpties:
‘Yesterday, on the advice of police, residents were locking up their cats and dogs, and mounting armed patrols on their properties. The mink have already taken out a Chihuahua and had a go at some piglets. Locals have been warned not to approach them, if they feel a sentimental attachment to all 10 of their fingers. Landowners have been advised to shoot on sight.’
‘They prey on water voles and have been blamed for almost wiping out ground-nesting birds on Sandaig and the Sound of Sleat on Skye.’
Perhaps they have been attracted to the harbour area by the increase in duck numbers in recent years. They have in fact been present further up the river for some time. Two years ago this observer saw a mink drag a fully grown rabbit into the river just below the railway bridge. The mink drowned the rabbit and then proceeded to haul it up into its burrow underneath some exposed roots of an alder tree. Perhaps the hoodies and black back gulls are not the only culprits down by? More evidence of the varied diet of mink can be had from a report in 1998 following the release of thousands of mink into the New Forest by animal welfare numpties:
‘Yesterday, on the advice of police, residents were locking up their cats and dogs, and mounting armed patrols on their properties. The mink have already taken out a Chihuahua and had a go at some piglets. Locals have been warned not to approach them, if they feel a sentimental attachment to all 10 of their fingers. Landowners have been advised to shoot on sight.’
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10 comments:
Yes, they may look cute and cuddly but they're not!
Mink would be likely to have a go at just about anything living on the riverside, or the river itself.
Like some of their fellow Mustelidae, for example Martins, Weasels and Wolverines, I've heard them described as,pound for pound, some of the most ferocious carnivors on the planet.
Just as well they aren't any bigger!
The mink will certainly have no shortage of food amongst the wildlife, perhaps that is what attracted them in the first place to the river?
Saw something in the weekend press: a supermarket in Essex (?) is stocking squirrel meat on their shelf. All humanely caught and hygenically prepared, we are told, and sold under their game license. Presumably grey squirrels then.
Now if someone could identify a market for mink meat, the local problem might solve itself. Ideal for barbeques, along with the bangers - minkburgers, of course?
Never mind the burgers, I want a new fur coat!
A couple of years ago one was seen hanging from the wing of one of the adult swans during a scrap. They will have a go at almost anything !
Perhaps if certain individuals were not trying to domesticate the river wildlife there would be less food available for the mink or other predators. Fattening up the ducks and swans! Great idea. Not.
get real swans are not pets...If the mink were not released and allowed to proliferate all along the river, the normal river wildlife would not be under their threat.
eat your heart out said...
.....get real, Swans are not pets...If the mink were not released and allowed to proliferate all along the river, the normal river wildlife would not be under their threat.
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But the mink is at the river, and one of the reason may be that there is a plentiful supply of domesticated 'wild' fowl for them to feast on. The swans and ducks have become far to trusting of people and other domesticated animals to have the the 'fight or fright' reaction that would help protect them from mink and other predators.
Typo alert. Of course I should have written fight or flight.
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