Thousands of mink were released into a Pennsylvania county over the weekend, prompting a local veterinary hospital to shun the animals.
“Over the weekend, an unknown number of minks were released from a fur farm in our area,” the Sunbury Animal Hospital in Northumberland County wrote on Facebook.
The post continues: “There are minks everywhere in the area surrounding the veterinary hospital. These animals should not be approached as they can be aggressive. They are not pets and should not be taken into a home or to a shelter. If one of these minks approaches you, move away.”
State police in Stonington said holes were cut in a fence surrounding the farm where the minks lived, allowing them to escape, according to The daily articlea Sunbury town newspaper.
A state game warden confirmed the farm had been burglarized and said about 7,000 mink escaped following the incident, according to Moosic, Pennsylvania-based television station WNEP.
A spokesperson for the Pennsylvania Game Commission said News week this figure was correct.
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News week has contacted the Pennsylvania State Police for comment via email.
Talk to The daily article On Monday, Sunbury resident Cassie Marks said she helped salvage some of the minks.
“We didn’t touch the animals. We just wanted to help here,” she told the newspaper, adding that the minks were taken to a local hospital shortly after.
The Sunbury Animal Hospital Facebook post gave further advice to area residents, saying: “Keep all animals indoors if possible. Supervise your animals when they are outside. If anyone would like help and set traps to try to catch these minks, the “Farmer would appreciate it. Captured minks can be taken to the veterinary hospital and we will ensure they are returned safely. Again, do not approach these animals or try to catch them by hand. “
Mink are considered one of the state’s “most effective predators,” according to the state game commission. The animals normally live near streams, lakes and rivers, and adult males average 2 feet long, including an 8-inch tail, and weigh between 1½ and 2 pounds, the commission said.
“The body configuration resembles that of a weasel: short legs; long, bushy tail; long, sinuous neck and body; short head and pointed snout,” the commission continued. “A mink’s coat is thick, full and soft. A short, tight undercoat layer is covered by longer guard hairs, which give the skin its shine.”
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