A white mink was spotted swimming in the cold waters of Kifissos river in Athens on Tuesday. It is the first time, the species Neovison vison was seen in the urban fabric of the Greek capital.
The animal not only enjoyed the chilly water but it also approached the riverbed for an… inspection and sightseeing.
Among rubble, garbage and the scanty vegetation of Kifissos river, a native of North America and a resident of North Europe.
Experts told state broadcaster ERT that most likely the mink was held as a pet and it was either released on purpose or left its home by accident.
It is certainly unknown whether the mink was alone or it belonged to some kind of “community.”
This particular animal (Neovison vison) is considered aggressive and invasive, and destroys the local fauna, Greek media report on Tuesday evening.
It should be recalled that mink is bred for its fur in Greece and there have been releases by anti-fur groups in the past resulting into “mink colonization” of lakes and wetland in the North of the country.
Pictures were taken by the camera of a Eurokinisi photographer
