Mink on the increase
THERE is little doubt that mink are on the increase around the waterways, with our receiving many reports of their activities.
There have now been numerous reports of them on boats around the BCN, and we even had a visit from a pair whilst moored near Spaghetti Junction.
Canopy ruined
Alan Hemmings had his canopy ruined by mink after he left his boat moored at the bottom of Tardebigge Flight during October, complaining:
"The canopy was chewed in various places, with the fastening ripped out, and all the stuff in the bow had been ruined."
Ducklings killed
Other boaters have reported seeing mink on many parts of the system, with Jenny James telling us earlier last year:
"I was sat on the deck of the boat and saw little ducklings disappearing as mink killed them, with the mother duck going mad. Those stupid people who released them into the wild, had not the common sense to realise that they are now decimating our wildlife. They are as thick as two short planks,"
And now J Gunningham asks:
He asks if any boater has any ideas for keeping them away, having dusted the foredeck with chilli powder when he left it, but says other ideas for a repellent would be welcome."Have any other boaters had trouble with mink this winter? We moor on the South Oxford and have had mink making quite a mess on the front of our boat, fortunately they didn't get inside. Out of interest they dined on duck and crayfish, and like rush type matting for their toilet area."