Mink caught taking a dip in Kifissos river
Unfortunately, in this urban river, in addition to garbage and rubble, various domestic animals end up, such as in this case with the American mink.
Although it is a very lovable animal, it has nothing to do with the Greek ecosystem, as is actually endemic to North America and is can be a very aggressive and invasive species that destroys the local fauna.
In Greece it is bred for its fur and by accidental or misplaced releases it has colonized lakes and wetlands of Northern Greece, thus destroying the balance of natural local ecosystems.
White is not its natural color and, on the contrary, has been created after genetic interventions by the breeders.
The photo shows its first appearance in the urban fabric of Athens, probably from an accidental or misplaced release by someone who had acquired it as a pet, creating a great danger for the already burdened ecosystem of Kifissos.
