Don't fear the mink

Early reports that civilization might be upended and Ohio could become a different version of a 1970s movie franchise, "Planet of the Minks," turns out, are greatly exaggerated. But up to 40,000 minks are reported to have escaped from a mink at a farm in Van Wert County (near the Indiana border) on Tuesday. There were some conflicting reports from reliable media companies, the Associated Press and CNN. One estimated the number of small mammals escaping could be as few as 10,000, and a CNN reporter told viewers that some were "corralled by employees." Several thousand mink are on the loose after being freed from a northwestern Ohio farm. Provided photo/KARY NIEUWENHUIS But far from the simian domination of the planet and the burial of the Statute of Liberty depicted in the original "Planet of the Apes," these minks aren't likely to take over civilization. They're domesticated, according to Kevin Newsome, a law enforcement operations manager for the Ohio Department of Natural Resources Division of Wildlife. It means they're tamer compared to their wildlife counterparts. Other information — likely misinformation — was circulating almost immediately after the great escape on social media. "They are very aggressive," according to one post. "They are gonna be on the hunt for food. Your dogs, chickens other farm animals, even humans are not safe from them." Newsome downplayed some of that. "It's not like these mink are accustomed to hunting. They are used to having food provided to them," Newsome told the Register. "But they are carnivores. If someone has a chicken farm nearby, it might be a problem. But we are dealing with domestic animals that have never had to provide food for themselves. I really don't think this is going to be a big issue." Newsome said some of what's being said is a massive exaggeration. "The chances of them getting anywhere near Sandusky is zero," Newsome said. "I don't see how they would make it that far. Especially this weekend, with the cold temperatures, people shouldn't worry about them being a threat to public safety." Authorities do urge people to not approach mink and, instead, contact the state wildlife office upon encountering one. People can call the department at 800-945-3543 to report a problem.