Van Wert – A Sheriff department is on a local alert after thousands of wild mink were released from a mink farm overnight.
Accoridng to the Sheriff’s department they are investigating a breaking & entering/vandalism complaint at Lion Farms USA Mink Farm in Hoaglin Township that occurred during the overnight hours of November 15, 2022. Suspect(s) destroyed fencing, and approximately 25,000-40,000 Mink were released from their cages.
The Sheriff warns local residents and area farmers that Minks are carnivorous mammals that stick to a diet consisting of fresh kills. They regularly hunt prey bigger than themselves. As a result, they can be a bothersome pest for homeowners, livestock owners, and property managers. Minks have proven to be especially costly and problematic for poultry ranchers as well as homeowners with ornamental ponds filled with koi and other fish.
The incident remains under investigation. Several Agencies assisting in the investigation are the Ohio State Patrol, Paulding County Sheriff’s Office, ODNR, EMA, and ODOT. Anyone with information about the breaking & entering is asked to contact the Van Wert County Sheriff’s Office at 419-238-3866 or Van Wert County Crime Stoppers at 419-238-STOP (7867). Callers can remain anonymous when providing information.
