Activity Patterns of the Mink Mustela vison Schreber in Southern Sweden

Abstract

Activities of six minks (Mustela vison) in southern Sweden were monitored during nine different periods in 1968-69 by radio-tracking techniques. Diel activity patterns were determined and related to availability of prey, reproduction cycle, and certain environmental factors. 1. All the wild male minks studied were mainly nocturnal at all seasons. The level of activity tended to increase with increasing length of night and with decreasing temperature. In general, the activity peaks of male mink corresponded to peaks in prey activity. 2. The female studied showed a very low activity during pregnancy. During the litter period when she was mainly diurnal her level of activity was considerably higher.