Baby Mink Rescued After Being Mistaken for Otter in California Yard

An animal control officer in Sonoma County answered a call about a "baby otter" spotted in a resident's yard. It turned out to be a baby American mink that had wandered away from its riverbank home.

The Sonoma County Animal Control posted on social media that the officer found the small animal, which was described as a "little scoundrel." The mink was confused to find itself in a yard with the resident dogs.

Officials took the mink to Sonoma County Wildlife Rescue. The organization will care for it until it is ready to return to the wild.

The American mink is a native species in North America, often found near waterways. It belongs to the weasel family and is known for its sleek, dark fur and semi-aquatic habits. Wildlife experts say young minks occasionally stray from their mothers during the summer months.