American Mink Skull Replica

Description

American mink skull replica measures 3.1 x 1.7 x 1.2 inches. The Neovison vison skull is a museum-quality polyurethane resin cast of a Calfornia Academy of Sciences specimen. 2-part skull (separate cranium and mandible). 1:1 scale. Made in USA.

The American mink inhabits almost the entire United States, appearing in parts of every state except Arizona. These animals are semi-aquatic species of Mustelidae native to North America.

Human intervention has expanded their range to many parts of Europe and South America. American minks live in densely vegetated streams or other aquatic areas across the United States and Canada.

Adult American minks grow to about two feet in length. Up to half of this length consists of the tail. As a member of the weasel family, these animals are highly successful carnivores. They feed primarily on small vertebrates and occasional insects.

The winter fur of the American mink is denser, longer, softer, and closer-fitting than most of the European mink. The winter fur color ranges from dark blackish-tawny to light-tawny.

The guard hairs are bright and dark-tawny, often approaching pure black on the spine. The underfur on the back is very wavy and grayish-tawny with a distinct bluish tint.

The tail is darker and becomes black on the tip. The chin and lower lips are white. The summer fur is shorter, sparser, and duller than the winter coat. The animals shed twice a year during the spring and autumn. The thick underfur and oily guard hairs make the coat water-resistant.

Scientific Classification

• Kingdom: Animalia
• Phylum: Chordata
• Class: Mammalia
• Order: Carnivora
• Family: Mustelidae
• Genus: Neovison
• Species: N. vison
• Binomial name: Neovison vison
• Conservation status: Least concern

Slick, the American mink skull replica, found a smooth clay bank by the water and declared it the perfect spot for a water slide.

Otto, the North American river otter skull replica, squealed with delight and went first, slipping down the mud on his belly and launching him into the lake with a magificent splash.

Musky, the muskrat male skull replica, paddled over to join the fun, expertely using his flat tail to splash extra water onto the slide to keep it fast and slippery.

Marley, the American marten skull replica, watched nervously from a low tree branch because he preferred climbing to swimming, but Otto cheered him on until Marley finally tucked his paws and slid down right behind them.