Wildlife Haven rescues minks from traps

An animal rescue group in Manitoba is warning the public after an animal recently released into the wild was caught in an illegal trap.

Zoe Nakata, executive director of the Wildlife Haven Rehabilitation Center, said the organization recently took in three orphaned baby minks.

“We were able to save these babies,” Nakata told CTV Morning Live Winnipeg. “We nursed them back to health, had staff members feed them in the middle of the night and then taught them to swim and then helped them develop their wild skills.”

After about 100 days in care, the minks were ready to be released back into the wild. Nakata said the organization did a soft release, which is typically done for younger animals, where they release them into an area monitored by trail cameras and provide some food, to allow for the transition.

However, a disturbing sight was captured on camera; One of the minks was caught in a trap and was trying to free itself.

“The trap cut the fur and suffocated the mink,” Nakata said. “The mink managed to escape the trap line but still had the noose around its neck.”

Volunteers from the center went to the area to rescue the mink and were able to remove the snare and save it.

“The wounds are healing, but she will need another five months of care from us to get through the winter, to make sure her fur grows back,” said Nakata.

Nakata said she was angry about the trap and wanted to share the mink’s story to show some of the not-so-glamorous aspects of animal rescue.

“It was frustrating. We put so many resources, donors, invested money into getting these little babies up and ready to go. And then we were very shocked, very upset,” she said.

Nakata said people can help by reporting illegal poachers and traps to the province.

-With files from CTV’s Rachel Lagace.