American Mink with Pacific Lamprey Catch

American Minks are small and fierce members of the weasel family, and they make their living along the South Fork of the Eel, catching a wide variety of prey, and sometimes that prey is significantly larger than the mink itself. One morning in late May I watched a mink travel along the edge of the river, pausing to investigate smells and then finally diving into the water.

The mink was under quite a while, so long that I though it had swum away and I might not see it again, but then it suddenly reappeared with the head of a large pacific Lamprey in its teeth, the rest of the lamprey still very much alive and struggling to get free.

The mink emerging with the lamprey, who may well outweigh the fearless predator, exactly 50 seconds after diving into the water.

The mink quickly dragged the lamprey up onto the steep rocks and then an epic struggle began. As the lamprey coiled and flailed, the mink held on, dragging the lamprey up and away from the water, seeming to understand that the further it got from the water, the less likely the primitive fish would be able to escape.

Mink wrestling the lamprey up and away from the water

The struggle continued, the lamprey fighting for its life and the mink determined to hang on to its catch.

Lamprey continues to curl and writhe, but the mink’s jaws were locked on its wide, suction cup-like mouth.

Continuing to drag the prey away from the water, it began to look like the mink would prevail, and a nutrient-rich meal would be delivered to a family or perhaps stashed for later. I have seen mink with already-deceased lampreys more than once, and marveled at the strength and tenacity of the small predator.

Now on more level dry ground, far from the safety of the water, the lamprey continued to struggle, but was running out of energy.

Less than two minutes had passed when the mink finally had subdued its prey enough that it could be carried away to its den for consumption.

This was the last look I had of the event before the mink disappeared deep into the riparian brush with its prize catch.

You can read more about the fascinating Pacific Lamprey here: https://www.fws.gov/species/pacific-lamprey-entosphenus-tridentatus

You can read more about the American Mink here: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/American_mink

Video showing the mink moving along the edge of the water as it searches for potential prey, then continuing with a couple moments of the battle after the catch was made.