On 2/20/2017 7:43 PM, Jack Campin wrote:
jmcquown wrote:
In the last week there have been a number of sightings of wild minks
on the island where I live. [...]
Minks are related to weasels. They are apparently beautiful but they
are also very vicious. They'll kill and eat any small prey. That
includes cats.

Minks are a pest in England (introduced by fur farmers and escaped)
though largely under control now. They don't have a very attractive
reputation, but I hadn't heard of them killing cats before. (Looking
it up, I see that I should have done).

I was completely surprised to learn minks live in South Carolina, much
less on this very small island! Apparently the mink population is
increasing.

And yes, minks are strong enough to attack and kill cats.

Another threat to the cats roaming where I live: large birds of prey.
Bald eagles, Cooper's and Red or Sharp Shinned Hawks, and some owls.
They're all capable of snatching up a small cat... these birds have
excellent eyesight.

Jill