Mink “raid” in Kastoria – roaming the streets, occupying yards

The recent phenomenon of feral animals in urban areas has led to many discussions about why certain species do not hesitate to invade backyards.

The presence of mink in the city has caused headaches for Kastoria residents. Animals roam the streets, invade yards and often hunt for prey on rooftops.

The problem began in 2010 when about 50,000 American mink were released by activists in the Kosani and Kastoria regions.

In 2019, a multi-million euro plan was put in place to control the problem, but to no avail.

“They drove out other kinds of animals”

Nikos Panagiotopoulos, vice president of the Kastoria Wildlife Protection and Care Society, spoke on MEGA’s morning show about the issue.

“Minks are carnivores. They live around Lake Kastoria. We’ve seen the problem this activity creates over the years. After ten years they’ve become one with the environment and out-competed other species that disturbed the fauna.”

It is characteristic that even the European Union spends millions of euros to deal with this problem.

Mr. Minks are considered wild animals. In fact, if approached by a human, it will move aggressively.