Marine Mink

A marine mink (Neovison pacificus) is a species of mink that is native to the pacific coast of North America, from southern Alaska all the way to the southern tip of Baja California, and is part of the family Mustelidae, one of the largest family of mammals in the order Carnivora. It is most closely related to the American mink (Neovison vison), with debate about whether or not the marine mink should be considered a subspecies of the American mink (making it Neovison vison pacificus) or a species of its own. The main justification for a separate species designation is the size difference between the two minks, while the American mink is generally about 13–18 inches (34–45 cm) in body length, the marine mink is only about 12-15 inches (31–37.5 cm) in body length, but other distinctions have been made, such as its darker, almost-gray fur. It exhibits a similar behavior to the American mink, in that it maintains home ranges, is polygynandrous, and has a similar diet, though more seaward-oriented. The conservation status of the marine mink is Least Concern due successful conservation efforts (note that it was once listed as Vulnerable due to overhunting by humans for its fur, and due to pollution from oil spills, but has since recovered from those times). There are some plans by some conservationists to introduce marine minks to the east coasts of North America to replace the extinct sea mink, but some other conservationists disagree and are concerned that they might instead overhunt native animals, however, it remains speculative for now whether or not they would replace sea minks or not.