Another denizen on the shores of the fresh-waters of Canada is the mink,
called also the smaller otter, and sometimes known as the water
pole-cat. It may be seen swimming about the lakes, preferring generally
the still waters in autumn to the more rapidly-flowing currents of
spring. It somewhat resembles the otter, and differs in shape slightly
from the marten or ferret. Its teeth, however, are more like those of
the pole-cat than the otter; while its tail does not possess the
muscular power of the latter animal.
Like the otter, it lives upon fish and frogs, but will occasionally make
a marauding expedition into poultry-yards. Its general colour is a dark
reddish-brown, approaching in some specimens almost to black on the
head; while there is a patch of white, varying in size, under the chin.
It is trapped by the settlers both in self-defence and on account of its
fur, which is of considerable value, and greatly resembles sable--a good
skin often fetching four or five dollars.