While I was walking along the one mile path around one of the lakes of Twin Lake Forest preserve in DuPage county, there he was just about 50 feet from me, a mink. He was gamboling across the walking path at lunch time. Approximately two-feet long with the characteristic sinuous gait that he shares with the smaller weasel, looked at me, and then scampered into the high grass and brush along the lake. (I think it was a male since females do not usually reach the length of the one I saw.)
With short dark fur, this mink was definitely long and built close to the ground. In a lifetime of walks and runs through fields and forests this is the first mink I have ever seen.
Mink are hard to mistake for any other animal. A river Otter comes close but they are much larger than mink and spend most of their time in the water.
Mink are land predators who love mice, rats, rabbits and even squirrels. They make their homes underneath rock piles or brush and close to water.
Two days ago, on the same path I saw a full-grown coyote, the second one I’ve seen in this locale this year. Within 300 yards of this spot is a McDonalds and a Wal-Mart.
Illinois wildlife is adapting quickly and beautifully to our presence.
Praise the Lord for all creatures great and small!