Distribution of American mink in Karelia

The American mink is a member of the Mustelidae family – the largest one in the Carnivora order. The American mink first appeared in the north of European Russia through an intentional introduction in 1934 (45 animals were released near Petrozavodsk). More animals were released in the following years, but studies in Karelia (Данилов, 1964; 1969; 1972; 1992; 2005) and the neighbouring Murmansk (Захаров, 1969) and Leningrad (Новиков, 1970; Туманов, 1972; 1996; 2003а; Иванов, Туманов, 1974) Regions have demonstrated that the main sources for the introductions of this species have been fur farms. At present, the American mink has become more of less naturalized in the Republic of Karelia. The species has occupied a solid position in waterside communities, having displaced the native European mink. The mains foods for the American mink in Karelia are fish, amphibians, and birds. It has been reported (Альтшуль, 1970; Новиков, 1970) that this predator often attacks another invasive species – the muskrat, severely affecting the rodent’s populations at waterbodies. Finnish zoologists have observed that the American mink has turned into the principal enemy for waterfowl in skerries (Tenovuo, 1963; Каuhala, 1996). The species is locally quite abundant, posing a major threat to prey in waterside areas. Some North European countries permit killing American mink in all seasons. Data are reported on the encounters and track densities of the American mink in the Republic of Karelia.