AN unexpected visitor has been causing a stir at Brighton Marina.

Fishermen have been hunting a mink which has been spotted scurrying around the harbour.

And they have good reason to be on the lookout after one was caught to chewing holes in boats back in 2008.

Fisherman Ted Gillam spotted the mink bouncing around on the deck on Sunday morning. And he managed to catch it on film.

He said: “I’m not sure if it is wild. Some of us thought it could be a domesticated black ferret because it’s a tame little thing. It was almost posing for the camera.”

Mr Gillam said some of the other fisherman at the marina had seen the mink jumping around in his boat while he was away.

But when they approached the boat it jumped off and swam away.

Mr Gillam said: “We are all keeping a lookout for it at the moment. It’s just a bit worrying the thought of it taking up residence in one of the boats.”

Florin Feneru, an animal expert from the Natural History Museum, identified the creature as a non-native American mink.

He said they are dark-brown, almost black, semi-aquatic mammals, which fits Mr Gillam’s description and photographs.

Mr Feneru said they can have a negative impact on other native species such as water moles.

He said: “It can be tame if it is an escaped pet, or it might just be tame because it’s been living close to people, like a garden squirrel.”

An RSPCA spokesman said: “Feral mink have been widespread throughout Britain for many years and while sightings of the animals are not uncommon, encounters in developed areas are.

“Keep a safe distance and do not attempt to approach or handle this American mink as they can bite and scratch, particularly if frightened.”

Brighton Marina bosses declined to comment.