Thousands of mink are on the loose in a Pennsylvania community after an unknown vandal broke into a fur farm and cut holes in the enclosures. Between 6,000 and 8,000 mink escaped from their pens and scattered into the wooded area of Rockefeller Township, posing a serious threat to wildlife and pets in the community. Pennsylvania State Police have launched an intense search, involving multiple agencies, to recapture the weasels before they cause further damage.

The Pennsylvania Game Commission describes mink as one of the state's "most efficient predators." These tiny creatures are agile and fierce fighters, known for killing their prey with a hard bite to the back of the skull. Their food of choice includes mice, voles, muskrats, rabbits, poultry, and fish, but they are opportunistic and will consume whatever is easily available. Due to their aggressive nature, the Sunbury Animal Hospital has warned residents to keep their distance from the mink and to keep their pets indoors if possible. The hospital also advised residents to monitor their pets closely when they are outside.

Although some of the mink have been recovered, the escaped population continues to wreak havoc in the township. The severity of the situation prompted state Senator Lynda Schlegel Culver and state Representative Michael Stender to establish a hotline dedicated to expediting the mink hunt. Meanwhile, law enforcement authorities are still searching for the culprits responsible for the farm break-in. Once apprehended, the culprits will face charges of criminal mischief regarding agriculture.

This incident mirrors a similar incident in Ohio last year when 10,000 mink were set free after vandals destroyed fences around a farm. Unfortunately, many of the released mink met their demise when they were struck by speeding cars before they could fully enjoy their newfound freedom.

Authorities are urging residents to report any sightings or captures of the mink to the animal hospital, emphasizing the importance of not approaching or attempting to catch the animals by hand. The recovery effort is ongoing, with numerous state agencies and farm staff working diligently to safely capture the remaining mink and minimize the potential threats they pose to the community. Game Warden Mike Workman has advised residents to exercise caution and avoid any contact with the mink, as they can bite and potentially cause harm. Dr. Beverly Shaw also cautioned pet owners to avoid leaving their animals unattended outside, particularly cats and kittens, as they may be at risk of encountering the escaped mink.

As the search for the escaped mink continues, the community remains on high alert, hoping for a swift and successful recapture operation to ensure the safety of both wildlife and pets in the area.