The mink is a carnivorous mammal that belongs to the family Mustelidae. There are three subspecies of these semi aquatic mammals: America, European and Sea mink. The sea mink is now extinct. Close kin to the weasel and otter species, minks are found on the American and European continents.

On average minks range in length from 20 to 24 inches in length. The average male weighs approximately two pounds and the average female weighs less than one and a half pounds. Minks have a brown glossy coat that is harvested for clothing meaning most minks are bred and live in captivity. The mink fur is sometimes punctuated with white spots but can be bred so that the fur appears almost black in color.

Minks enjoy eating small fish, rabbits and birds in the wild. Farm bred minks have a diet of eggs, meat, turkey livers and dog food. Most minks only live for eight years in captivity. Activists as well as the governments of many countries have protested the harvesting of mink fur although it remains a viable commodity in the United States.