Northern California animal control officials were alerted that a furry “tiny intruder” had infiltrated a resident’s yard after it was seen sitting alongside their dog — but there was a surprising twist.
The Sonoma County resident initially told animal control that they believed a “baby otter” had wandered onto their riverbank property and were worried about the well-being of the animal, according to a social post on June 30 from the Sonoma County Animal Service.
However, when the animal control officer arrived, he quickly determined that the “baby otter” was actually a baby American mink.
A Sonoma County animal control officer was called to a resident’s home to find a lost baby American Mink. The mink was handed over to the Sonoma County Wildlife Rescue until it can be safely returned to the wild.
The American mink likely wandered into the resident’s yard from the riverbank, according to the Sonoma County Animal Service.
Although American minks can be found in Sonoma County and much of Northern California, it’s uncommon for baby American minks to be separated from their mothers by June, according to the California Department of Fish and Wildlife.
A Sonoma County animal control officer was called to a resident’s home to find a lost baby American Mink. The mink was handed over to the Sonoma County Wildlife Rescue until it can be safely returned to the wild.
American minks normally give birth to a litter in April or May, and teach their offspring how to hunt and survive in the wild for the next five to six weeks before dispersing their young in autumn months, according to the California Department of Fish and Wildlife.
The Sonoma County animal control officer handed the baby American mink to the Sonoma County Wildlife Rescue to ensure the animal was taken care of until it can be released back into the wild.
Noe Padilla is a Northern California Reporter for USA Today. Contact him at npadilla@usatodayco.com, follow him on X @1NoePadilla or on Bluesky @noepadilla.bsky.social. Sign up for the TODAY Californian newsletter or follow us on Facebook at TODAY Californian.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Baby American mink rescued in Northern California yard