MAMMALS OF MARYLAND 



153 



Figure 50. — Distribution of Mustela vison. 



Distribution in Maryland. — The species is Statewide in distribution ; 

 the subspecies mink occurs throughout most of Maryland, but may be 

 replaced by the race vison at higher elevations in the Allegheny Moun- 

 tain section. This very dark northern race, vison^ has been reported in 

 the Appalachians to the south of Maryland (Kellogg, 1939, p. 262), 

 but the only specimen available from the Allegheny Mountain section 

 of Maryland is a zoo animal and its subspecific affinities are indeter- 

 minable. 



Distinguishing characteristics. — A very large weasel, with a fairly 

 long, bushy tail ; coloration dark glossy brown over entire body, except 

 for a whitish chin spot and an occasional white streak on the neck or 

 white spot on the chest or belly ; pelage thick and dense, adapted for an 

 aquatic life. 



The mink may distinguished from the long-tailed weasel by its 

 larger size, and absence of a white belly. It is similar to an otter in 

 coloration, but is smaller and does not have a broad-based tail. 



Measurements. — Males considerably larger than females. A typical 

 adult male and female from Montgomery County have the following 

 external and cranial measurements: Total length 650, 547; tail 225, 

 193, hind foot 70, 54; basilar length 62.4, 56.0; zygomatic breadth 42.1, 

 86.3 ; interorbital breadth 12.9, 13.7 ; mastoidal breadth 34.4, 30.5. 



Habitat and habits. — The mink always lives near water. It is found 

 around lakes, in or near marshes, and along the banks of rivers or 



