Mink attack

[veronicasmom]

So the trapping and watching for a clear shot begins. I don't normally like to kill animals that are just trying to survive, but if the trapping works we will relocate it, but if not and shooting it is the best option, then so be it. That is another thing that is upsetting to me though. I normally try to leave the wildlife alone, but this time the price is too high. Thank goodness hubby is home on a vacation day today. He is carrying his gun and we are setting the trap. Fingers crossed we get some of this settled that way and then start making everything even more secure.

 

[Going Quackers]

Your not overreacting that would be awfully upsetting, I am glad your bunny will be ok and no harm came to any of your other animals. I free range all my ducks but our main issues are at night...

 

[veronicasmom]

That is what is freaking me out so much. We have completely secure places for everyone at night. I never thought that they were in danger during the day. Other than from a cat or dog and we have taken steps so that is not an issue. My husband thinks I AM over reacting. But I am still so very upset by all of this.
Thank you all for your help and understanding. I appreciate it.

 

[Jay262]

I live by a river and some days i have seen as high as 20 in a day. They can and will kill all your animals for fun not even just to eat them this is the bad news. The good news is there fairly easy to catch and control. I rarely have problems during the day if you have a dog it helps they scare rather easily. Minks rarely will dig holes to get in under your fences but will sometimes. Hardware cloth would keep them out for that sake if you have a fence already chicken wire would just get like a one inch mesh its much cheaper then hardware cloth. I personally shoot or trap my minks but you could also try wolf or coyote urine to repel them away from your coops im not sure if it will work on minks but it does work on other preadators.

 

[veronicasmom]

I don't think I can use any of the deterrents because it would freak out the rabbits will scaring off the mink.
Right now the trap is baited with some roadkill squirrel because that is was a professional trapper told us to use and some chicken for good measure. Fingers crossed we get this taken care of soon, it is wearing on me.

 

[Miss Lydia]

Quote:

So sorry your having to go through this, Glad to hear your bunny is going to be okay.. Hope you have some good news to share tomorrow morning.

 

[Amiga]

You're in my thought so much these days. So are the rabbits and ducks.

 

[veronicasmom]

Thanks to both of you. I am just a wreck. Worried sick about them.

 

[sourland]

Hopefully you caught the mink and hopefully you reconsidered releasing it. Mink like most wild animals have a strong homing instinct. Although they are relatively easy to trap, once trapped they become trap wary.

 

[veronicasmom]

We are not going to release it, just for that reason. I am sure it will come back if we do.
Odd, we have not seen it at all, almost like it was passing thru, but I know better. Has not been in the trap and the animals have been locked inside unless we are out with them, so IDK, I really hope that we can get it and move on.