Young Mink Spotted On Sammamish River

Young mink spotted on Sammamish River across from the fishing pier at Luke McRedmond Landing

The mink is scampering into the grasses

During a break in the rain showers on Monday afternoon, I went for a stroll south along the Sammamish River Trail.  I started from the promontory located opposite the Opportunity Building, near the Ben Franklin store.

After a few minutes, I passed underneath Redmond Way and entered the park area known as the Luke McRedmond Landing.  Continuing southward, I bypassed the short concrete walkway that branches off and descends to the river’s edge, where anglers sometimes cast for fish.

Glancing directly across the river at that point, I thought I saw some movement on a small ‘island’ of tangled logs and branches up against the opposite bank.  Slowing my stride, I took a closer look.  Sure enough, I spotted what I quickly realized was a young mink, dark brown in color.  It was much smaller than the otters which I have also occasionally seen in here the river.  I would guess it was about 15 or 16 inches in length.

It scurried about, up and down over the logs, before plopping into the water and disappearing from sight.  After a few moments, it emerged, stopping for a few seconds to scratch its ear like a dog, before once again diving into the river.

Meanwhile, I turned around and headed back down to the fishing pier, while simultaneously pulling my mini-camera out of my pocket.

The mink again reappeared, enabling me to snap off a few shots before it submerged once again under the water. It briefly showed itself on a log, before permanently retreating into the surrounding underbrush along the shore.

I thought it must be young, because when it clearly saw me across the river, it didn’t immediately run away and disappear from sight, which I think a mature adult would have done.  It seemed to be enjoying itself, scampering about and diving into the water and then repeating the process.

I have only once before seen a mink along the Sammamish River.  That was back in 2011 or 2012, when I saw one at the edge of the 90^th Street Runoff Pond.

Photo and story by John Reinke