Is that a ferret…or maybe a mink? Either way, this little furball eats an entire meal while working out, making her our ultimate spirit animal!
Animal rescuer Mikayla Raines recently shared a video online featuring a small, furry creature on what looks like a giant hamster wheel. What makes this scene even more surprising is that the animal is running while holding a raw chicken leg in its mouth! Although it may look like a ferret, it’s actually a mink!
Unlike ferrets, minks are not domesticated and aren’t typically allowed as pets. Many people assume minks and ferrets are pretty much the same, but that’s not true. While ferrets have been domesticated for years through careful breeding and are popular household pets, minks are still wild. Both animals belong to the Mustelidae family, which includes weasels, otters, and badgers. However, minks behave more like badgers and can be a lot more aggressive. As PetHelpful notes, their bites are no joke and could send you straight to the hospital!
There are minks that are bred in captivity, but they’re raised for fur farms, not for companionship. They can be unpredictable, bite, and even destroy furniture if kept indoors. Interestingly, minks only seem manageable when they have constant stimulation, like toys or exercise. So, it’s no surprise that this little mink is busy running and munching away on that wheel!
This act highlights critical gaps in our support systems for people in crisis and animal welfare. Urge authorities to provide those in crisis with the help they need to prevent animal abuse!
In short, if you’re considering a furry friend, a ferret is the way to go. Leave minks to those with the right training and experience. But hey, minks are undeniably adorable, so enjoy watching them in action through the video below!
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@mikayla.raines She’s not a #ferret she’s a #mink ♬ Me and My Pet – Eitan Epstein Music