How to Get Rid of Wild Mink
There are humane and safe methods to remove minks when they become aggressive predators. These practices offer the most effective ways for getting rid of mink if they are menacing game birds.
HOW TO CONTROL MINK: The Animal Welfare Act 2006 protects some species of wildlife animals that you catch.
Illegal Methods of Controlling Mink
You must not use any of these options to deter or to get rid of minks:
- Bows and crossbows
- Explosives (except legal ammunition for a licensed firearm)
- Live birds or animals used as bait or live decoys
- Self-locking snares
Failing to use the control methods set out in this guidance can result in a jail sentence up to 6 months and a fine up to £5,000 (per animal). There are other ways to control pests on your property (e.g. animals or insects that cause harm or create a nuisance).
Causing unnecessary suffering to an animal can mean a jail term along with a fine up to £20,000.
Most Effective Time to Control Mink
The optimum months to trap mink is during their mating season (February to March). Another effective time to get rid of mink is when their young leave the den (August to November).
Catching a Mink with Cage and Spring Traps
Note: United Kingdom laws on wildlife and biodiversity allow you to use cage and spring traps to catch minks.
You Must...
Only use an approved spring trap commonly used for catching mink.- Kill all the animals as humanely as possible to reduce suffering.
Note: Check the traps daily and remove any of the captured animals.
Shooting Free Mink
You must be using a suitable firearm and legal ammunition to shoot free mink in Britain.
ALSO IN THIS SECTION
Fox Control Methods | Safe and most effective ways to get rid of foxes from a property or a business.
Moles Pest Control | What the wildlife law says about using spring traps and gas to capture moles.
Using Dogs to Catch Mink
You Must...
- Not use a pack of dogs (no more than two hounds).
- Kill all as soon as they break cover.
- Carry some proof that either you own the land or you have written permission from the landowner.
Mink Pest Control in the United Kingdom