Back Cover

What is it?

Our photographers have been busy exploring the intricacies of the Missouri outdoors. See if you can guess this month’s natural wonder. The answer is revealed below.

Mink Tracks

On the back cover are mink tracks and right is a mink by Noppadol Paothong. Minks need permanent water and prefer woods nearby. Mostly nocturnal, they don’t hibernate in winter and aren’t social except when the young are being raised. Breeding begins in late February and lasts until early April. Minks prey on small animals, helping to keep those populations in check, while becoming prey themselves to other predators from great horned owls to coyotes. To learn more, visit mdc.mo.gov/node/2923.