Sea Mink - Extinction

Extinction

Due to its highly prized fur, this mink was hunted to extinction. The animal's remains are often found in Native American shell-heaps around the coasts of the islands of Maine. However, the competitive European fur trade led to its extinction.

The last known member of the species was said to have been captured in New Brunswick, Canada, in 1894, although there is some debate if this was a specimen of N. macrodon or N. vison. The last substantiated report has led to an estimated extinction date of around 1860, although a specimen was reported as sold to a fur-buyer in Maine in 1880.

Although well known to fur hunters, it became extinct before being scientifically described, so little is known about its habits. Existing data suggest it was nocturnal and solitary.