<p>The American mink (<i>Neogale vison</i>) is one of the most damaging invasive carnivores in Europe, contributing to the decline of native semi-aquatic mammals such as the critically endangered European mink (<i>Mustela lutreola</i>). We evaluated the long-term effectiveness of a floating raft–based monitoring and trapping programme implemented in Bizkaia (northern Spain) over a 12-year period (2014–2025). Using multi-season occupancy models, we assessed patterns of raft use while accounting for imperfect detection, and examined how environmental and management variables influenced detection dynamics. The relationship between footprint detections and capture success was further analysed using zero-inflated negative binomial mixed models. A total of 307 American mink were captured during the study period. Annual captures declined markedly over time, whereas the trapping effort required per individual increased substantially, reflecting progressive population reduction. Detection probability varied among rivers and declined seasonally, being highest in early autumn. Footprint frequency on rafts was positively associated with capture success, supporting the use of floating rafts as an effective tool for targeted removal. Colonization and extinction probabilities showed limited temporal variation, likely reflecting low-density dynamics and residual individuals rather than active population turnover. Our results indicate that sustained, long-term application of floating rafts can reduce invasive American mink populations to very low levels in continental systems. Continued surveillance focused on high-use sites appears essential to prevent reinvasion and to facilitate future recovery efforts for native species.</p>