AMERICAN MINK Neovison vison
STATUS: Widespread but patchy
Introduced accidentally through escapes from fur farms. First recorded in Derbyshire at Derwent and Howden Reservoirs in 1965 and at Hilton and Hatton in 1969. Since then they have colonised most of the county and are well-established in many areas and are still apparently spreading. Relatively uncommon on the Peak District moors until recently, but now recorded from numerous localities. Mink are heavily implicated in the decline of the water vole locally and nationally. Controlled by gamekeepers and water bailiffs at several places.
