How to Identify Mink Tracks

Mink are rarely-seen members of the weasel family. Although they are common in many regions of North America, their nocturnal habits leave them largely unnoticed. The best way to know if you have a mink hanging around is to watch for animal tracks. Learn what mink tracks look like so you can correctly identify them.

Instructions

1. Consider the terrain. The tracks must be in areas that mink inhabit. Mink live in wooded areas near streams with lots of vegetation. They also live near lakes and ponds. They are native to most of North America, but are not found in the southwest or far western states.

2. Measure how deep the tracks are. Take into consideration how moist the soil is or would have been. If the tracks look like they came from an animal weighing between 550 and 1,250 grams, you may have a mink track.

3. Count the toes. Mink have five toes on their front and back feet. Sometimes only four of the front toes show in the track because of the softness of the ground. The best way to tell if it is a mink track is if the track is a good impression.

4. Determine how long the track is. A mink track is anywhere between 1 and 2 inches long depending on the depth of the impression. Weasel tracks are similar to mink, but these animals are much smaller.

5. Look for marks from the claws. Mink claws often show up in impressions. If you do not see claws, this does not mean that it isn't a mink track. It depends on the softness of the ground and what the mink was doing.

6. Take a picture of the track and take it in to a naturalist from your local park district. They can confirm if it is a mink track. They can also show you impressions from other animals as well.