Rare European minks live in two districts of the Kirov region.

      The European mink is a predatory animal of the mustelid family. According to the press service of the Kirov region's Ministry of Environmental Protection, until the mid-20th century, it was found everywhere in the region; however, in the 21st century, the animal was only seen in the Luzsky and Nagorsky districts. Experts noted that the main reason for the mink's disappearance is the invasion of the American mink, which displaced the European one. The European mink is a rather small animal. On average, its weight is up to 850 grams, and its body length is up to 44 cm. It differs from the American mink by being smaller, having a lighter-colored fur, a white edging surrounding the upper and lower lips, as well as a more developed swimming membrane. The fur of the European mink is dark brown or chestnut-brown, and the limbs and tail are slightly darker than the back.