200 The Mammals of Colorado 
Type locality. — Sumas, British Columbia. 
Measurements. — (Type, from Bangs): total length, 23.5; tail 
vert., 8; hind foot, 2.8. 
Description. — Dark brown above, the longer guard hairs being 
somewhat darker than the shorter under fur; tail darker, and 
blacker toward tip; underparts a somewhat lighter brown; a white 
spot on chin and a few on underparts; these however vary much 
with individuals. There is considerable seasonal and individual 
variation in the general color of the fur. 
Distribudon. — This species is found in the Mackenzie River 
region, British America, from the Arctic Ocean (MacFarlane) south 
through the Rocky Mountain and Pacific States to central California, 
and through Colorado, and presumably New Mexico. It is found 
all through Colorado wherever there is sufficient water, ranging 
up to between 9,000 and 10,000 feet at least. It is quite common 
in many places, being found along the plains streams as well as in 
the mountains. 
Habits. — Minks are animals of semi-aquatic habits, and 
are seldom found far away from water, living about the 
banks of streams and ponds, in holes and cavities. Their 
food consists of mice, or any other small animals, including 
rabbits, fish when they can get them, and such birds as they 
can catch. Occasionally one attacks the farmer's poultry, 
and then may do much damage, as, like all the weasel family, 
it will kill for the mere love of slaughter. The rut is in 
March and April, the young being born in May or June, and 
are five or six in number, though MacFarlane says that 
from eight to twelve have been known. Because of their 
valuable fur, mink are much trapped, but in spite of this 
they seem to hold their own pretty well, and even in the old 
thickly settled districts of the Eastern States are not at all 
uncommon. 
Genus MUSTELA (Lat., a weasel) 
Mustela Linnajus, Syst. Nat., loth. ed., i., p. 45 (1758). Type 
Mustcla martes Linnaeus. 
Revision, Rhoads, Proc. Acad. Nat. Sci. Phila., pp. 443-460 
(1902). 
