Dealing with alien competitor species

American mink and Racoon

The American mink, which was raised for its fur and escaped from captivity, is a real threat for the European mink. It is a fearsome competitor and may be a disease carrier.

The raccoon can as well be a competitor for the European mink because it is an omnivorous. It eats a considerable amount of aquatic prey (amphibians, crayfish…) and is also found in the same habitat.

A careful monitoring has been carried out in Charente and Charente-Maritime to forewarn the arrival of these two alien competitors. Footprints rafts for the American mink and baited pipes for the raccoon were set up in the catchment area of the Charente and will remain for the entire duration of the programme.

Left: American mink on a footprints raft (© GREGE) Right: Raccoon on a baited pipe (© GREGE)

Anticipated outcome:

• No established population of American mink or raccoon in the territory of the Life programme.