Mink and Otter

Trapping is not allowed in the Mendenhall Glacier Recreation Area.  This has allowed a small, but healthy population of both mink and otter.  Frequently these two species are mistaken for each other by observers who only rarely see them.  Some clues to tell them  apart are:

• Size - Otters are larger

• Nose - Mink have a pointed nose , while otters noses are more rounded

• Base of Tail - The base of the otter tail is much thicker than that of a mink

The first two photos below show a mink and the third an otter.