The origin and distribution of feral mink in Scotland

A result of the post‐war boom in mink farming was the escape of mink which are now well established in the wild. Feral mink are known to be present in all Scottish mainland counties, except Sutherland and Caithness, and are also found on the islands of Arran and Lewis. Populations are thriving on most of the main river systems. The existence of suitable habitat and adequate food supplies suggests that mink will continue to increase and spread in Scotland.