Gay Mitchell
Ceist:70 Mr. G. Mitchell asked the Minister for Finance if he will make a statement on the difficulties being faced in parts of the country due to wild mink.
Written Answers. - Wild Mink.
Wild mink are carnivorous and will eat a wide range of prey. They differ from most predators in that they often kill many more animals than they need for food. Their impact on populations of other wild animals can be greatly exaggerated as can the range of animals which they will attack. A recent study by the Wildlife Service has identified rabbits, cray fish, eels and small perch as their main prey. The mink is not a protected species under the Wildlife Act, 1976, and may be lawfully killed using traps under the Wildlife Act (Approved Traps, Snares and Net Regulations, 1977 S.I. No. 307 of 77) or using legally held shotguns.