How to Track Mink

Mink make their habitat throughout North America and are a member of the weasel family. Mink usually weigh between 1 and 3 lb. Some of the best places to spot mink tracks are along the edges of ponds and other bodies of water. The typical male is 23 to 28 inches long with a 6 to 8 inch tail.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Tape measure

1. Measure the print. The typical mink foot is just an inch or so long, and depending on the medium, you may often see the claw marks above the toes. The area between the claw and toe tip is small enough that the mink looks like it has pointy toes.

2. Examine the track closely. Mink move in a direct register pattern, meaning their hind feet land on top of the prints of their front feet. The fifth toe on the front foot is often only partially visible. Sometimes mink walk in 3 or 4 bound, meaning you can see three prints (only one hind foot landing on a front foot track) or all four prints.

3. Measure the stride. Typically mink find and follow the same stride pattern for a long time. Their stride can be anywhere from 11 to 38 inches, depending on whether they are walking or running. Check whether the stride is consistent. A regular pattern can be indicative of a mink trail.

4. Check for a tail print if you are tracking in deep snow. The mink tail print is a thin, often dashed line between the sets of foot prints.

Tips & Warnings

• Although the mink is unable to aim its foul spray, like its cousin the skunk, mink spray when agitated. Mink are aggressive hunters, and more curious than afraid.