Min k are the main predators of water voles. The mink is a North American species that was farmed in the UK for its f ur. Some animals were released or escaped into the wild, and have bred successfully, spreading across the country. Some mink have been seen in this area.

Mink live along the same watercourses as water voles. They are able to get their heads into water vole burrows, so can attack the young. Other native species such as otters cannot do this because they are too big. Fortunately, otters deter mink and have also been detected here.

Rats and cats also attack water voles. Rats go for the young, whereas cats catch adults as they are feeding.

 Surprisingly, water voles can coexist quite easily with people, living along streams in parks, urban areas and in fishing pools. The voles’ activities are less obvious than the burrows and feeding habits of  rabbits or badgers.