They were brought over in the 1950s for fur-farming purposes. But with some escaping or being freed, scientists estimate there are now tens of thousands of mink breeding throughout the UK.

Researchers have also found that fish, birds, water voles and other local species have declined by over 95% in the last 50 years, and they believe the mink to be responsible.

The RSPCA have supported the move, saying: “The RSPCA is, as a general principle, against the culling of wild animals, but accepts that in the case of some mink eradication projects there may be strong scientific grounds to support one.”