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An unknown vandal recently freed thousands of mink at a rural farm in northwest Ohio, according to WBNS-10 news.
The owner of the property initially estimated 25,000 to 40,000 mink were released from their cages at Lion Fam, according to Van Wert County Sheriff Thomas Riggenbach. Employees at the farm were able to corral many of the mink that remained on the property, but some 10,000 of the small carnivorous mammals are still on the run as of Tuesday evening (November 15).
Riggenbach declined to discuss any potential motive for the vandalism, or say whether any suspect has been identified as his office investigates. However, a group known as the Animal Liberation Front did previously claim credit for releasing a much smaller number of mink from the farm years ago.
Although the minnk are considered domesticated, those who spot the mink have been urged not to approach them by Riggenbach. Instead, they should contact the farm or trappers for recapturing. In addition, anyone with any information is asked to contact the Van Wert County Sheriff's Office at 419-238-3866 or Van Wert County Crime Stoppers at 419-238-STOP (7867). Unfortunately, the animals likely lack the skills to survive alone in the wild.