Best time to see: all year
Key facts
Mainly dark brown animal with blunt nose and tapering tail, superbly adapted to swimming
Anywhere with access to fresh water where adequate supplies of fish and good cover are available
Once widespread across Europe, now only found in good numbers around the northern and western fringes
Recognition
Blunt muzzle and tapering tail distinguish it from the smaller mink, with more pointed face and shorter, straighter tail
Head and body up to 80 cm; tail a further 35-45 cm; weight up to 15 kg
Nocturnal and shy, so its presence is most often revealed by its sweet-smelling droppings (scats) left in prominent spots
Lifecycle
Nests in a holt, usually built among tree roots; one litter a year of up to 5 young, born unfurred and helpless
Eats various aquatic animals, but mainly fish, patrolling a home range of up to 40 km
Can live as long as 20 years; does not hibernate
© Leslie Borg
© unknown
© Leslie Borg