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American Mink (Neovison vison)
The Owen Sound Field Naturalists Collection, #6
The American Mink (Neovison vison) is one of Ontario's most sleek and formidable semi-aquatic predators, its rich dark chocolate fur and sinuous body making it one of the most visually striking yet rarely seen mammals of the wetlands, rivers, and lake edges of Grey and Bruce Counties. An opportunistic and fearless hunter whose diet spans fish, frogs, crayfish, and small mammals, the Mink's presence along a waterway is a reliable indicator of healthy aquatic ecosystem function. Most encounters with a Mink are little more than a dark flash disappearing between rocks — a prolonged, unhurried sighting like this one, settled among river stones of Harrison Park, Owen Sound, is a genuinely rare gift. Not currently a species at risk in Ontario, the Mink nonetheless faces ongoing pressure from wetland habitat loss and waterway degradation across Grey and Bruce Counties.
Reference photography for inspiration was kindly provided by Rob Way, thank you!
✨ 15% will be donated to conservation from all OSFN Collection original paintings ✨
In a collaboration to highlight the enjoyment of our backyard wildlife here in Ontario, the Owen Sound Field Naturalists and signature member of Artists for Conservation, Sarah McComb Turbitt, created a challenge to paint as many local species as she can during March 2026. 15% of original artworks, 35% of limited-edition prints, and 50% of artwork cards will be donated to OSFN. The Owen Sound Field Naturalists promotes and fosters learning about nature through their ongoing programs and sponsorships. They support a wide variety of activities, including a Young Naturalists Program, stewardship of many natural heritage properties in Grey Bruce Counties, interpretive signage, presentations by knowledgeable speakers and outdoor excursions with experienced leaders.
All original artwork is hand-signed by Sarah McComb-Turbitt and includes a certificate of authenticity and white cotton gloves for handling the painting upon delivery.