According to the National Association of State Public Health Veterinarians, more than 400 ferret attacks on humans have been documented since 1978, including more than 60 unprovoked attacks on infants and small children and one fatality. The HSUS strongly recommends that children, particularly infants, never be left unsupervised with a ferret. Ferrets have sharp teeth like cats and occasionally bite when startled, excited, or improperly handled. Their bites have been known to cause serious injury to small children. As with any companion animal, The HSUS recommends that children, particularly infants, never be left unsupervised with a ferret.
Ferrets have sharp teeth and occasionally bite when startled, excited, or handled improperly.
Ferrets' nocturnal habits, curiosity, and high activity level often make them difficult to contain and control. Keeping ferrets humanely is a challenge because they should not be confined to a cage all the time, yet need close supervision when allowed out of their enclosures. Keeping ferrets in a humane environment is a challenge, because they should not be confined to a cage all the time, yet need close supervision when allowed out of their enclosures. Keeping ferrets humanely may be a challenge for individuals who are unfamiliar with their needs and habits. Ferrets sleep much of the time, but when awake are both curious and highly active.