Mink are mammals whose sleek bodies make them very agile in water, where they hunt for fish and shellfish, the
staples of their diet. The North American mink, above, averages about 60 cm (about 24 in) in length, including the tail.
Luxurious, durable mink fur is a valuable commodity; to satisfy the fur industry, the animals are bred for specific color
varieties and raised on large farms.