Wild: Estimates of the average lifespan of a wild mink vary, from less than a year to less than three years, but these figures reflect the large number that fall prey to disease, starvation and predators while they are young and poorly equipped to fend for themselves. The vast majority of wild mink do not live through their first six months.

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Those that reach adulthood and find abundant sources of food may live to the age of four, and a small percentage of these successfully reproduce. Dental evidence suggests that occasionally they may live as long as seven years.

 

Domesticated: Due to the farmer’s care of the mink raised on his farm, almost 100% of the mink born annually will survive their early months of life. Out of these, the finest are retained for breeding stock for the following year while the rest of the mink will be harvested for pelts for use in cold weather clothing, fine oil and other products at about 7 to 8 months.

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