Kip’s Comments - March 22, 2026 — LadagePhotography.com

Super-sized Mink

During several recent hikes at Sweet Marsh I have had close encounters with a mink. I believe the mink is just curious when it approaches me. Aggressiveness does not seem to an issue. Yet, I do not want the mink to get too close and then realize I am a human. It may just turn aggressive at no fault of its own if it feels threatened.

When I headed out for my walk this morning I mentioned to Kristy that I might see the mink again. Little did I know that I was about to see a super-sized mink.

In the area where the mink has been seen today there was no mink but there was a huge river otter (my super-sized mink). The river otter was not out sightseeing. Breakfast was on its mind, specifically a large bullhead. The bullhead did join the river otter for breakfast, but did not seem to enjoy the meeting. (In the wide view of the otter, notice how big it was.)

Overnight the temperature dropped dramatically. While hiking I found a leopard frog immobile on the road. My best guess is the frog cooled off below active level and was absorbing what heat the road may have had yet. Based on where the frog was located, it was just a matter of time before a vehicle would have turned the frog into a grease spot on the pavement. I moved it to safety, but did photograph it before releasing it.