EDINBURGH, Scotland, Feb. 2 (UPI) -- Conservation groups say they are planning a campaign to rid the Scottish highlands of a North American invader, the American mink.
The mink, living wild, are descended from animals that escaped from fur farms established in the 1950s, The Scotsman reported Wednesday. Environmentalists say they threaten native species, including ground-nesting birds and salmon.
The water vole may be the species hardest hit by the mink. The semi-aquatic rodent's population has dropped by 95 percent in 50 years.
The plan is to anchor mink rafts in rivers to monitor the local population. If mink footprints show up, the animals will be trapped and shot in the head with air guns.
Hundreds of mink have been killed in pilot projects in Aberdeenshire and the Western Isles.
Almost 1 million pounds ($1.6 million) has been raised for the project, to be carried out by the Scottish Wildlife Trust, Rivers and Fisheries Trusts of Scotland, the University of Aberdeen and Scottish Natural Heritage.
Paul Gallagher of the Wildlife Trust said American mink are a special threat in regions that offer sport fishing and environmental tourism.
"This initiative is as much about economic concerns as it is about ecological responsibility. We are working to protect people's livelihoods as well as our native wildlife," he said.
