A group of American Mink frolic in a field. © hobiecat
Congratulations to iNaturalist user hobiecat for winning the July 2022 Photo-observation of the Month for the Vermont Atlas of Life on iNaturalist! Their photo of a playful band of American Mink received the most faves of any iNaturalist observation in Vermont during the past month.
Vermonters seem to have a particular fondness for the American Mink, as this is the 3rd time the photo-observation of the month contest has been won by a photo of this charismatic species! This series of images, which presumably shows a family of mink, demonstrates how Mink kits will stay with their mother until the fall. During this time they’ll often play together, and this play behavior helps them develop many skills that will be necessary when they head out on their own. Mink are aggressive carnivores seeking out prey on land and in the water. They’ll prey on muskrats, rabbits, small rodents, waterfowl, birds, crayfish, insects, and fish. They’re excellent swimmers which allows them to feed in and along rivers, streams, lakes, and ponds. Learn more about Mink and add your observations on iNaturalist Vermont.
With 34,070 observations submitted by 2,056 observers in July, it was very competitive. Click on the image above to see and explore all of the amazing observations.
Visit the Vermont Atlas of Life on iNaturalist where you can vote for the winner this month by clicking the ‘fave’ star on your favorite photo-observation. Make sure you get outdoors and record the biodiversity around you, then submit your discoveries and you could be a winner!
