Rare American mink possibly spotted on Long Island for first time in 31 years

An American mink was captured on a trail camera in Suffolk County — and wildlife researchers say it’s remarkably rare if it is the adorable little critter. Long Island naturalist Peter Janow caught what he believed to be an American mink on a trail camera he set up in Northport near the North Shore just after midnight on Aug. 4, he told News 12 Long Island. The image shows the cute water weasel appearing to be carrying a bird in its mouth. An American mink is seen on a trail camera in Northport earlier this month. Peter Janow/Long Island Nature Corps He told the outlet it marks the first sighting of the American mink on Long Island in 31 years. The American mink is a small, semi-aquatic carnivore in the weasel family — related to otters and ferrets — that typically weighs 1.5 to 3.5 pounds