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2014 NORTHEASTERN NATURALIST 21(3):357–368
Resting-Site Selection of American Minks in East-Central
New York
Damon M. Haan1,* and Richard S. Halbrook1
Abstract - Research related to resting-site selection among native Neovison vison (American
Mink) populations in North America is scarce. We radio-tracked 35 American Minks
from March 2008–September 2011 along the Hudson River, NY, and its tributaries to
evaluate resting-site characteristics and selection. We located 583 resting sites, consisting
primarily of boulder piles and riprap along the Hudson River (35.6%) and bank burrows
along tributaries (29.0%). Results of logistic regression analysis revealed that the percentage
of shoreline cover with woody debris best predicted resting-site selection <10 m from
water and shoreline cover was the most important single-parameter model. Shorelines that
provide abundant cover may help to conceal American Mink activity while also providing
resting sites that are safe from predators.
Introduction
Neovison vison Schreber (American Mink) are ecologically important riparian
carnivores that occupy a high trophic level and are widely distributed throughout
much of North America. American Minks are also highly valued among fur trappers,
likely due to stable market demand (Eagle and Whitman 1987, Linscombe
1994). Despite their value, research pertaining to native American Mink populations
is scarce. (Larivière 2003, Stevens et al. 1997). As much as 53% of wetlands
in the United States were drained from 1780 to 1980 (Dahl 1990) and riparian
habitat remains threatened by degradation, development, and recreational activities
(Dahl and Allord 1997, Racey and Euler 1983). It is therefore important to establish
a better understanding of American Mink habitat use in North America so that
impacts on American Minks can be better understood.
Resting sites are an important component of habitat use for many species, which
may serve to stabilize predator and prey interactions and provide shelter from harsh
weather conditions (Berryman and Hawkins 2006, Dunstone 1993, Zabala et al.
2003). Thus, selection of resting sites directly relates to survival, especially among
small carnivores that may be susceptible to predation (Zielinski et al. 2004). The
few studies in North America that have evaluated American Mink ecology have
only broadly characterized resting sites. Although American Minks appear to use a
variety of resting sites, most studies have found that American Minks primarily use
abandoned bank burrows that were initially excavated by species such as Ondatra
zibethicus L. (Muskrats) (Arnold and Fritzell 1989, Marshall 1936, Schladweiler
and Storm 1969, Stevens et al.1997). However, a study in Idaho showed that
American Minks largely used logjams as resting sites (Whitman 1981). In Ontario,
1Cooperative Wildlife Research Laboratory, Department of Zoology, Mailcode 6504, Southern
Illinois University, Carbondale, IL 62901. *Corresponding author - damon.haan@gmail.com.
Manuscript Editor: Tom French
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Canada, American Mink den sites were primarily associated with cover provided by
coniferous forests that had minimal impact from human development (Racey and
Euler 1983). Quantitative research regarding microhabitat selection at American
Mink resting sites in North America is lacking.
American Minks have been more extensively researched outside of North America
where they are considered invasive. Invasive American Minks in Europe also
use a variety of resting sites distributed throughout their home range; these sites are
typically located near water and in close proximity to foraging areas (Birks and Linn
1982, Garcia et al. 2010, Gerell 1970). In Spain, invasive American Mink resting
sites were largely associated with areas of dense scrub (Zabala et al. 2007), whereas
in the United Kingdom resting sites were primarily located in rabbit warrens (Yamaguchi
et al. 2003). Furthermore, invasive American Mink research suggests that
the availability of resting sites may limit populations in some areas (Halliwell and
Macdonald 1996) and resting-site use may be influenced by the width or depth of
adjacent waterbodies (Sidorovich et al. 1996, Zabala et al. 2007). Resting-site selection
does not appear to differ between sexes (Zabala et al. 2007).
Results of invasive American Mink studies may only be tenuously applied to
native populations, and many of the studies have focused on evaluating measures
to aid with control or eradication (Bonesi and Palazon 2007, Melero et al. 2008,
Reynolds et al. 2010). The topic of habitat features surrounding American Mink
resting sites has been relatively unexplored, especially among native populations.
Because resting sites are an important feature in habitat use and their abundance
may limit density, it is important to elucidate American Mink resting-site selection.
The objectives of our study were to (1) quantitatively evaluate microhabitat characteristics
surrounding American Mink resting sites compared with control resting
sites, which we considered as unused and potentially available resting sites, and (2)
broadly characterize and compare resting-site structures and use along the Hudson
River and its comparatively smaller tributaries.
Field-site Description
We conducted this study in east-central New York along the Hudson River
between Fort Edward and Mechanicville, extending along its tributaries up to 8.5
km waterway distance from the Hudson River (Fig. 1). The landscape consists of
valleys and rolling foothills with moderate urbanization, abundant agriculture, and
fragmented mixed and deciduous forests. The climate of the study area is northern
temperate with annual rainfall and snowfall averages of 99.2 cm and 172.2 cm, respectively,
and average temperatures ranging from 12.7 to 26.0 °C in summer and
-11.6 to -0.1 °C in winter (NOAA 2013). The width of the Hudson River and its
tributaries in the study area generally ranged 95–225 m and <1–15 m, respectively.
The Hudson River is controlled by a series of locks and dams, including a dam
upstream of Fort Edward that often caused water levels to fluctuate approximately
15–46 cm daily.
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Methods
Capture and handling
We trapped American Minks during late February 2008–April 2011, September–
mid November 2010, and late July–mid August 2010–2011 using 10–60 Tomahawk
double-door live traps (Numbers 104, 105.5, 203; Tomahawk Live Trap, Tomahawk,
WI). We set traps <2 m from water along the Hudson River and its tributaries
and camouflaged the exterior and floor of each trap using natural materials such as
leaves, grass, mud, and tree bark. We primarily relied on blind sets, but also occasionally
used commercial lures and canned sardines. We checked traps 1–3 times
per day, depending on weather conditions.
We transported captured American Minks to a nearby veterinary clinic where
they were transferred to an induction box and anesthetized using sevoflurane gas.
Once American Minks were immobilized, we placed them on a surgery table and
maintained anesthesia by continuously delivering sevoflurane gas at 4% into a
facemask fitted on the American Minks throughout the following procedures. First,
we prepped American Minks with povidone iodine and isopropyl alcohol. We then
made a 1–2 cm incision dorsally between the scapulae and subcutaneously inserted
a radio-transmitter (Lander et al. 2005; 9 g [Model# SI-2T] or 5 g [Model# SB-
2T], Holohil Systems Ltd., ON, Canada). We pushed radio-transmitters away from
Figure 1. Trapping locations for American Minks along the Hudson River and its tributaries
between Mechanicville and Fort Edward in east-central New York, 2008–2011. The Hudson
River separates Saratoga County from Washington and Rensselaer counties.
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the incision to minimize wound dehiscence (Schulz et al. 1998) and then sutured
and glued the incision closed. We also ear-tagged (Number 1005-3, National Band
and Tag Co., Newport, KY) American Minks and administered an intramuscular
injection of antibiotics (8 mg/kg bodyweight of cefovecin; ConveniaTM, Zoetis,
Kalamazoo, MI). We sterilized radio-transmitters >24 hrs prior to use with ethylene
oxide gas. Radio-transmitters had a 5–18-mo nominal battery life and a
mortality sensor that corresponded to body temperature. Following the procedure,
we removed the facemask and placed American Minks back inside the box traps.
Once American Minks fully recovered from the anesthesia (typically 5–10 min),
we immediately returned to their capture sites and released the animals. Trapping,
capture, and handling procedures followed an approved Southern Illinois University,
Carbondale, IL, animal care and use protocol, guidelines from the American
Society of Mammalogists (Gannon et al. 2007), and collection permits issued by the
New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, Albany, NY.
Radiotelemetry
We radio-tracked American Minks March–June 2008 and 2009 and March
2010–September 2011 between sunrise and sunset, when American Minks are least
likely to be active (Arnold and Fritzell 1987). We used 3-element yagi antennas and
handheld receivers (R-1000, Communications Specialists, Inc., Orange, CA) for all
radio-tracking. After detecting a transmitter signal, we listened for variations in signal
strength while standing stationary for 1–5 min to determine if American Minks
were active or inactive (Arnold and Fritzell 1987). We used the homing technique
described by Mech (1983) to identify the precise locations of American Minks. We
did not consider locations as resting sites unless we were absolutely certain that
the precise resting site had been located. Furthermore, visual clues including scat,
tracks, and prey remains were often observed near resting sites. We used headphones
to eliminate ambient receiver sound, and we were quiet to the greatest extent
practicable while in close proximity to American Mink locations. As soon as resting
sites were identified, we marked their locations using a global positioning system
(Garmin eTrex; Garmin International, Inc., Olathe, KS). We defined resting sites as
cavities or sheltered areas where American Minks rest when inactive. For all resting
sites, we broadly characterized their structure, distance from water, and whether it
was located closer to the Hudson River or tributaries. We also characterized mean
resting-site use by determining number of resting sites, number of revisited resting
sites, and number of revisits to resting sites for our most intensely monitored
American Minks, arbitrarily considered as those with >30 telemetry locations on
different days.
Microhabitat evaluation
During April–June 2008 and 2010, we evaluated microhabitat variables identified
in the US Fish and Wildlife Service’s American Mink-habitat suitability-index
model (Allen 1986) at randomly selected resting sites no more than 7 d after their
use by American Minks. For resting sites <10 m from water, we established a 10 m x
2 m transect centered at the resting site and parallel to the shoreline where we visually
estimated the percent cover to the nearest 10% for exposed roots, overhanging
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vegetation, undercut banks, shrubs (1–5 m tall), woody debris and boulders (≥10
cm in diameter), and shoreline cover (all habitat features that would aid to conceal
an American Mink). We established a second 10 m x 2 m transect also centered at
the resting site, but perpendicular to the shoreline where we recorded only shrubs
at 1 m intervals. Using a spherical concave densiometer, we recorded the percent
canopy cover on opposite ends of both transects and directly above the resting site.
For resting sites located >10 m from water, we established two 10 m x 2 m transects
centered at the resting site, one running east–west and the other north–south, where
we recorded canopy cover, ground cover, and shrub cover in the same manner as
resting sites <10 m from water.
For every evaluated resting site, we searched 10–150 m from the resting site
for a control resting site. We considered control resting sites suitable for American
Minks where the entrance diameter was ≥10 cm (Schladweiler and Storm 1969)
and, based on visual inspection, it seemed the cavity would sufficiently house a
1.5-kg American Mink (Larivière 2003). If we were doubtful about a control resting
site’s suitability for American Minks, then we searched for a dif ferent site. We
evaluated the nearest suitable control resting site we could find. If the resting site
was located <10 m from water, then we searched for a control resting site that was
also <10 m from water along the shoreline, whereas for resting sites >10 m from
water, we searched in a north–south and east–west direction to locate a control resting
site that was also >10 m from water.
Statistical analysis
We used logistic regression, PROC LOGISTIC in SAS version 9.1 (SAS Institute,
Inc., Cary, NC), to model microhabitat variables that best predicted American
Mink resting sites in two classes: <10 m and >10 m from water. The binary response
variables in both cases were resting sites and control resting sites, and the independent
variables were the 8 microhabitat and 3 microhabitat variables for resting
sites <10 m and >10 m from water, respectively. We used the Hosmer-Lemeshow
goodness-of-fit test to evaluate models and withdrew those with P < 0.05. For resting
sites <10 m from water, we ranked models by their Akaike information criterion
(AIC) value and considered the lowest-ranked to be the top model. We used a corrected
AIC (AICc) as a bias adjustment for resting sites >10 m from water due to
small sample size (Burnham and Anderson 1998). For all models, we included the
number of parameters (K), the change in AIC from the top model relative to subsequent
models (ΔAIC), and each model’s weight (wi), which assesses the strength of
evidence. We considered models with ≤2 ΔAIC as competitive with the top model.
All microhabitat variables were individually modeled for each analysis (i.e., resting
sites <10 m and >10 m from water), and we constructed multivariable models for
variables believed most likely to influence resting-site selecti on.
Results
Capture
We captured 41 (n = 27 male, 14 female) American Minks, 6 (n = 5 male, 1 female)
of which were captured twice in 7786 trap-nights (0.6 American Minks/100
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trap-nights). Waterway distance of captures from the Hudson River included 10
(24.4%) that were <0.1 km, 16 (39.0%) that were 0.1–1.0 km, 10 (24.4%) that were
1.0–3.0 km, 4 (9.8%) that were 3.0−6.0 km, and 1 (2.4%) that was 8.5 km (Fig. 1).
We implanted radio-transmitters in 35 captured American Minks (n = 24 males, 11
females), with 7 males receiving 9-g radio-transmitters, and the remaining 28 receiving
5-g radio-transmitters. We did not implant radio-transmitters in 6 captured
American Minks due to either trap mortality (n = 2 males, 3 females) or poor body
condition (n = 1 male). Radio-transmitters comprised a mean of (± SE) 0.9 ± 0.05
% of body weight.
Resting-site characteristics
We located 583 different resting sites, including 180 along the Hudson River
and 403 along tributaries. Boulder piles and riprap were the dominant resting-site
structures used along the Hudson River (35.6%), whereas, bank burrows were the
most frequently used structures along tributaries (29.0%) (Table 1). Mean restingsite
distance from water was 4.0 ± 0.55 m along the Hudson River and 8.9 ± 1.04
m along tributaries. Along the Hudson River, 170 of 180 (94.4%) resting sites were
<10 m from water and the farthest was 51 m, whereas along tributaries, 329 of 403
(81.6%) resting sites were <10 m from water and the farthest was 194 m. Mean
number of resting sites among 12 American Minks that used the Hudson River with
>30 telemetry locations on different days was 13.3 ± 3.0, whereas the 21 American
Minks along tributaries with >30 telemetry locations on different days had a mean
of 16.8 ± 3.7 resting sites (Fig. 2).
Resting-site selection
We randomly selected and evaluated 91 resting sites and 91 control resting
sites (n = 182) <10 m from water to examine microhabitat use. We dropped 1
control resting site and its associated used resting site from analysis because an
American Mink used the control resting site after it was evaluated for microhabitat
Table 1. Resting-site structures used by all radio-monitored American Minks (n = 35) along the Hudson
River and its tributaries. All 35 American Minks used resting sites along tributaries, whereas 19
American Minks also used resting sites along the Hudson River. Multiple visits to resting sites are
not included. Percentages reflect the proportion of total restin g-site use for each respective column.
Resting-site structure Hudson River Tributaries Overall
Bank burrows 29 (16.1%) 117 (29.0%) 146 (25.0%)
Brushpiles and logjams 23 (12.8%) 96 (23.8%) 119 (20.4%)
Boulder piles and riprap 64 (35.6%) 4 (1.0%) 68 (11.7%)
Dense vegetation 2 (1.1%) 64 (15.9%) 66 (11.3%)
Cavities among exposed roots 17 (9.4%) 37 (9.2%) 54 (9.3%)
Cavities in logs 13 (7.2%) 29 (7.2%) 42 (7.2%)
Cavities in trees or snags 14 (7.8%) 20 (5.0%) 34 (5.8%)
Undercut banks 7 (3.9%) 19 (4.7%) 26 (4.5%)
Human-made structures 7 (3.9%) 4 (1.0%) 11 (1.9%)
Refuse piles 1 (0.6%) 10 (2.5%) 11 (1.9%)
Beaver lodges 3 (1.7%) 3 (0.7%) 6 (1.0%)
Total 180 403 583
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characteristics. The model with the lowest AIC value for resting sites comprised
shoreline cover + woody debris, which had moderate support (wi = 0.40) for predicting
American Mink resting-site selection. There were 2 competitive models ≤2
ΔAIC from the top model including overhanging vegetation + shoreline cover +
woody debris, and shoreline cover, a single-parameter model. The shoreline cover
variable was included in all of the top 3 models and had the lowest AIC value
among all 8 single-parameter models, while receiving moderate to low support
(wi = 0.17) for predicting resting-site selection (Table 2). The 2 variables found
in the top model and competing models, shoreline cover and woody debris, had
positive model coefficients of β = 0.03. Overhanging vegetation, a variable in the
second best model, had a positive model coefficient of β = 0.02. Both the shoreline
cover and overhanging vegetation variables had significantly greater occurrence at
resting sites than control resting sites (shoreline cover: t180 = 4.10, P < 0.0001; overhanging
vegetation: t180 = 2.12, P = 0.034), and woody debris was nearly significant
(t180 = 1.95, P = 0.052).
For resting sites located >10 m from water, we randomly selected and evaluated
microhabitat characteristics at 18 resting sites and 18 control resting sites
Figure 2. Mean resting-site use for intensely monitored American Minks (i.e., >30 telemetry
locations on different days) along the Hudson River (n = 160 sites, 12 American Minks),
its tributaries (n = 352 sites, 21 American Minks), and overall (n = 512 sites, 21 American
Minks). Revisits were occasions when American Minks vacated a resting site between consecutive
daytime-telemetry locations before returning. Bars indicate SE.
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(n = 36). The model with the lowest AICc value was groundcover, a single-parameter
variable, which had moderate support (wi = 0.30) for predicting American Mink
resting-site selection (Table 3). None of the microhabitat variables evaluated >10 m
from water had a significantly greater occurrence at resting sites relative to control
resting sites, but groundcover appeared to have some association with resting sites
(t36 = 1.12, P = 0.26) and had a positive model coefficient of β = 0.01. Canopy cover
had a positive model coefficient of β = 0.004, and shrubs had a negative model coefficient
of β = -0.02 (canopy cover: t36 = 0.36, P = 0.72; shrubs: t36 = -0.84, P = 0.40).
Discussion
Resting sites are an important component in American Mink habitat use that
can limit density and distribution (Halliwell and Macdonald 1996) and may influence
survival (Zielinski et al. 2004). In our study, the abundance of shoreline
cover and woody debris were the best predictors for American Mink resting-site
selection <10 m from water. Shoreline cover was the most important variable, and
overhanging vegetation also appeared to be a desirable habitat feature for Ameri-
Table 3. Logistic regression results for microhabitat characteristics influencing American Mink restingsite
selection >10 m from water. The model with the lowest AICc (corrected) was considered the best predictor
of American Mink resting-site selection and those with ≤2.0 ΔAICc were considered competitive
with the top model. K is the number of parameters, and wi denotes the weighting factor for each model.
Model K R2 AICc ΔAICc wi
Groundcover 2 0.03 52.99 0.00 0.30
Shrubs 2 0.02 53.45 0.46 0.24
Groundcover + shrubs 3 0.07 54.01 1.02 0.18
Canopy cover 2 0.004 54.14 1.15 0.17
Groundcover + canopy cover 3 0.04 55.06 2.07 0.11
Table 2. Logistic regression results for microhabitat characteristics influencing American Mink resting-
site selection along shorelines <10 m from water. The model with the lowest AIC was considered
the best predictor of American Mink resting-site selection and those with ≤2.0 ΔAIC were considered
competitive. K is the number of parameters, and wi denotes the weighting factor for each model.
Model K R2 AIC ΔAIC wi
Shoreline cover + woody debris 3 0.12 232.96 0.00 0.40
Shoreline cover + woody debris + overhanging vegetation 4 0.12 234.27 1.30 0.21
Shoreline cover 2 0.10 234.68 1.72 0.17
Shoreline cover + overhanging vegetation 3 0.10 235.86 2.89 0.09
Boulders + shoreline cover 3 0.10 236.10 3.14 0.08
Boulders + overhanging vegetation + shoreline cover 4 0.11 237.38 4.42 0.04
Boulders 2 0.04 247.12 14.16 0.0008
Overhanging vegetation 2 0.03 248.84 15.88 0.0004
Woody debris 2 0.02 249.28 16.32 0.0003
Shrubs 2 0.02 250.34 17.38 0.0002
Exposed roots 2 0.01 252.21 19.25 0.0001
Canopy cover 2 0.01 252.29 19.33 0.0001
Undercut banks 2 0.002 253.11 20.15 0.00004
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can Mink resting-site selection. These results are similar to Zabala et al. (2007),
who determined that invasive American Mink resting sites were associated with
areas of dense scrub cover. American Minks’ relatively small size makes them
vulnerable to an array of avian and mammalian predators (Larivière 2003); therefore,
resting sites in areas with abundant shoreline cover, where American Minks
are inconspicuous, are important for survival. Predation believed to have been
caused by Buteo spp. (hawks), Bubo virginianus Gmelin (Great Horned Owl),
and Vulpes vulpes L. (Red Fox) accounted for 8 American Mink mortalities in our
study, including 5 that occurred in areas with distinctly poor shoreline cover and
3 in areas with moderate–poor shoreline cover. Prey remains were often observed
near the entrances of resting sites, indicating that American Minks also used
resting sites as safe locations to consume prey, which is supported by Birks’ and
Linn’s (1982) findings that invasive American Mink resting sites are generally located
near foraging areas.
None of the 3 microhabitat variables analyzed for resting sites >10 m from water
were significantly different at resting sites relative to control resting sites. The lack
of difference between the two site-classes may be attributable to our relatively low
sample size (n = 36). Alternatively, as American Minks stray farther from shorelines,
resting-site availability may be diminished to such an extent that American
Minks become less selective, and areas with abundant cover are less important.
The top 2 overall resting-site structures in our study were bank burrows, and
brushpiles and logjams. These were also among the most frequently used structures
reported by other native American Mink studies (Stevens et al. 1997, Whitman
1981). We chose to combine brushpiles and logjams into one variable because of
their similar structural characteristics. American Minks along the Hudson River
mostly used riprap as resting sites; riprap was found in much greater abundance
along the Hudson River than it was along tributaries, thereby indicating an opportunistic
aspect to resting-site use. Along tributaries, spring flooding and heavy
rainfall created logjams and log piles that American Minks regularly used as resting
sites. We also observed American Minks using human-made structures such as an
abandoned shed, an active chicken coop, and several refuse piles, indicating they
had a moderate tolerance of human-related habitat disturbance. Invasive American
Minks have also been shown to use various human-made structures as resting sites
including buildings, rock walls, and bridge parapets (Birks and Linn 1982, Garcia
et al. 2010, Zabala et al. 2007). We determined that the abandoned shed and refuse
piles in our study offered American Minks abundant foraging opportunities, namely
small-mammal prey, as well as safe refuge from predators.
American Mink resting sites in our study were usually located within a short
distance from water. Resting-site distance from water is likely influenced by the
availability of resting sites, cover, and proximity to foraging areas. In our study,
the overall resting-site distance from water was similar to those reported for other
native and invasive American Mink studies (Stevens et al. 1997, Whitman 1981,
Zabala et al. 2007). Mean resting-site distance from water along tributaries was
more than twice as far as those we recorded along the Hudson River. This difference
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was likely attributable to the greater availability of riprap along the Hudson River,
which offered many resting-site opportunities in very close proximity to water.
Moreover, human activity (e.g., roads and residences) was more prevalent along the
Hudson River than along tributaries and may have restricted distances American
Minks traveled away from water for resting sites.
Habitat quality and prey availability likely have an important influence on how
many resting sites American Minks require. American Minks in our study had a
greater mean number of resting sites along tributaries than the Hudson River likely
because none of the American Minks that used the Hudson River were solely
dependent on it; rather, they also used reaches of its tributaries. Furthermore, 6
of 9 intensely monitored American Minks that never used the Hudson River (i.e.,
only located along tributaries) had at least 1 resting site <1.5 km (waterway distance)
from the Hudson River, despite their capacity to travel ≥4.3 km in 1 night
(Stevens et al. 1997). This finding suggests that American Minks may not have a
preference for large rivers over smaller tributaries. There is scant evidence of territorial
behavior in American Minks, and we doubt that it was a factor in our study
(Larivière 2003).
Shoreline cover, especially woody debris in the form of brushpiles, logjams,
snags, and fallen logs affords American Minks ample resting and feeding sites
while also providing protection from predators and harsh weather conditions.
Burrowing animals living near shorelines, primarily Muskrats, provide American
Minks with a source of food and resting sites. American Minks living along the
Hudson River system appear to use a mean of at least 24 resting sites scattered
throughout their home ranges and located near foraging areas. Currently, there is
very little research regarding upland habitat use by American Minks, especially as
it relates to resting-site selection. Upland habitat likely serves a number of important
functions such as access to terrestrial prey. Therefore, future research should
examine American Mink habitat use >10 m from water. There is also a need
to elucidate American Mink tolerance levels of human disturbance as it relates to
habitat quality and prey availability.
Acknowledgments
Funding was provided by the General Electric Company. We are tremendously grateful
to the dedicated technicians who assisted with this research including H. Cimino, J.
D’Agostino, A. Goldberg, K. Grmusich, J. Histed, S. McKenzie, A. VanVossen, and W.
White. We are also appreciative of the assistance provided by T. McClenahan and P. Bernstein.
We cannot give enough thanks to the Battenkill Veterinary Clinic staff, particularly G.
Allen and M. Horn. This project would not have been possible had it not been for the many
friendly landowners we encountered living near the Hudson River in Rensselaer, Saratoga,
and Washington counties who granted us access to their properties. We also would like to
extend a special thank you to C. Nielsen, J. Reeve, the Cooperative Wildlife Research Laboratory,
the Department of Zoology, and the Graduate School at Southern Illinois University,
Carbondale, IL for their assistance.
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