AVON VALLEY FERRETS - Ferrets and Polecats Ferrets and Polecats Ferrets (mustela furo) are members of a group of mammals known as Mustelids. The Mustelid family is a very diverse group and comprises of animals such as Weasels, Stoats, Polecats, Mink, Otters, Martens and Badgers. It is believed that ferrets are descendants from it's closest cousin the polecat. There are two types of polecat of which the ferret is known to be related to and they are our native European polecat (mustela putorious) and the Steppe polecat (mustela eversmanni) from the Steppe plains of Eastern Europe/Russia bordering Asia. History reveals that ferrets have been with us for many years and that it was the Ancient Egyptians who domesticated them. They were most probably used as a tool for hunting just as some of us do nowadays, using them to control rabbits and to provide food. Ferrets come in a variety of colours, this is mainly due to selective breeding through past years of domestication.

Their colours can range from dark browns to sandy beige, mixed colouration including silvers and silver mitts as well as a common throwback in it's genes when albino colouration occurs. Males are known as Hobs and females Jills. Ferrets (and polecats) are photoperiodic breeders which means their season is triggered by longer daylight hours. Females have been known to produce up to two litters in any one year. Hobs can come into season from as early as late December/early January and jills begin to show once the days begin to lengthen, late February/early March. Once mated, the gestation period of ferrets is 6 weeks (42 days) and as many as nine kits can be born in a litter. They are born deaf, blind and naked and after a day or so, they begin to grow a thin layer of fur and suckle continuously from the parent female. After approximately 4-5 weeks, they have developed their fur and their eyes and ears begin to open as they start to suck on solid food. At around 8-10 weeks they are fully weaned from the parent female and are eating solid food and drinking.

Ferrets can easily live as long as 10 years. Polecats, as mentioned previously, are the closest related cousin to the ferret within the mustelid family. The European polecat is native to these shores, however they suffered severe decline during the latter end of the last century. It was once recorded that there were less than 50 polecats surviving in the wild throughout the whole of the UK at that time. Their reduction in numbers was due to persecution by man by secondary poisoning from pesticides and rodenticides, trapping, mistaken identity to mink and an ever increasing road network. The polecat's main stronghold in the UK is in Wales although since now being a protected species, their numbers are gradually on the increase and can be found in many counties of England from as far apart as Hampshire, Wiltshire and Dorset in the south, throughout the Midlands and as far north as Cheshire. Polecats are very elusive creatures and have a tendancy to be nocturnal so their whereabouts are seldom noted.

Sometimes on the odd occasion, females can be seen during early summer hunting for food to feed their young but unfortunately, the majority of sightings are of corpses lead along the roadsides where they have inevitably become the casualties of road accidents. Polecats are a similar size to ferrets albeit slightly broader in their stance and are only found with dark coloured fur which ranges from chestnut to deep brown although albinism cannot be ruled out as it has been recorded on very rare occassions. An accurate way to tell them apart is to measure what is called the post-orbital width of the skull. It has been noted that this measurement is wider in pure polecats. They also have a very noticeable band across their face that touches a dark nose and they have a white muzzle with white tips to the ears. In very rare circumstances, polecats can throw a colour mutation known as erythrism. Erythistic polecats have been recorded only on a couple of occasions when their coat appears to have a red colouration to it. In some instances, this colour form is known to give erythristic polecats the nickname of red fox polecats.

Their natural habitat is that of low-lying woodland and downland and their main source of prey food is rabbits, small mammals, and ground nesting birds. Their breeding pattern is exactly that of ferrets, again they are photoperiodic breeders and can have a similar number of kits in their litters sometimes twice a year. Due to a high mortality rate in the wild, their life expectancy can average 3 to possibly 5 years. One of the first mentions of polecats was back in the middle ages during medieval times dating 1189, when Richard the Lionheart came to the throne after the death of Henry II. That same year, Colchester in Essex received the first known Royal Charter which gave the borough the foundations of self-government. Among other things was the right to hunt foxes, hares and polecats within the borough bounds. Persecution by gamekeepers and landowners alike was the main reason that the polecat became temporarily extinct in England mainly because of an archaic Tudor law called ‘The preservation of grain act’.

Henry VIII passed it in 1532 and Elizabeth I further strengthened the act in 1566 making it compulsory for every man, woman and child to kill as many creatures as possible that appeared on an official list of vermin which included otters, weasels, stoats, polecats and even hedgehogs! During 1590, it was the church wardens duty to keep control over the so-called vermin. Two shillings were paid for an otter, 2/6d for weasels and stoats and in 1769 three polecats would fetch you one shilling. The polecat was also trapped for its fur, known as fitch, which was widely used in the early 19 century. In Dumfries in Scotland, there are records showing that 400 polecats were sold at the old fur fair in 1829 and a total of 600 in 1831. Polecat hunting was also a sport amongst the country squires of North Wales and Northern England where special packs of hounds were kept to hunt them down.

Today, UK polecats are now protected by law under the countryside and wildlife act of 1981. Section 6 of this law put a conservation order on several of our native species which included the polecat. Certain methods of killing or taking polecats is now prohibited under the act and it is now an offence to set traps for polecats without obtaining a specialist licence to do so. These days, they are mainly caught for research and recording purposes. Mink that live in our countryside today are not indigenous to this country. The European mink is no longer native to these shores, the type that now colonizes here is the American mink. The American mink (mustela vison) was introduced here in 1929 purely to farm for it's fur. Over a period of years escapee's have managed to survive in our native habitats thriving well with their numbers steadily increasing - adding to their population boom, animal rights activists released many more from the fur farms they were once kept in adding to their already growing numbers. Over time, the American mink gradually took over the haunts of our once native European mink putting them into such severe decline that they have now become extinct in mainland UK.

Only small areas of continental Europe now have colonies of this strain but even these are suffering from decline. Although a very stunning looking creature, the mink is a very voracious hunter. It has been blamed for the reduction in numbers of many of our native animals such as the Watervole and even in some areas, the Moorhen. Their prey consists of voles, mice, fish, eels, small birds, moorhens, eggs and they will venture further afield to catch rabbits. They frequent areas where there is water such as rivers, lakes, canals, ditches and fens and are excellent swimmers sometimes being mistaken for Otters although their size is much smaller. They are solitary animals and are also very territorial. They make their dens fron disused animal burrows and holes between tree roots close to the waterline. Males and females only come together to breed. The mink's breeding season is between February and April and the female can produce up to 6 kits in a litter. They average around 3 years of age living in the wild and can easily live up to 10 years in captivity. If caught or trapped, it is an offence to release mink back into the wild in the UK.

**WE NEED YOUR HELP** IF YOU HAPPEN TO SEE A POLECAT IN THE WILD - EITHER AS A ROADSIDE CASUALTY OR A LIVE SIGHTING THEN WE WOULD LOVE TO HEAR FROM YOU. ANY DETAILS SUCH AS PHOTOGRAPHS, AREAS WHERE SPOTTED, MAP/O.S GRID REFERENCES OR EVEN ROAD NUMBERS ALL HELP CONTRIBUTE TO OUR SURVEY WORK OF RECORDING THE WHEREABOUTS OF OUR NATIVE POLECAT. WE WOULD ESPECIALLY LIKE TO HEAR FROM YOU IF YOU LIVE, ARE PASSING OR HAVE PASSED THROUGH OUR LOCALITY OF SALISBURY PLAIN OR THE COUNTIES OF WILTSHIRE/WEST HAMPSHIRE AS WE ARE CURRENTLY COLLATING OUR OWN SURVEY IN REGARDS TO THE NUMBERS OF POLECATS SIGHTED NEAR TO US. WITH YOUR HELP, ALL OF OUR FINDINGS WILL BE PASSED ON TO NATIONAL ECOLOGICAL SOCIETIES AND LOCAL WILDLIFE TRUSTS. IF YOU CAN PROVIDE US ANY DETAILS, THEN PLEASE USE THE FORM TO SEND THEM TO US ON THE 'CONTACT US' PAGE OF OUR WEBSITE.

Because of the work we are involved in with surveying, recording and rehabilitating live examples of our native European Polecat, we were recently approached by one of the UK's leading ferret veterinarians asking if we would be willing and would like to help in a scientific study in regards to finding the differences, (if any!) between domestic ferrets and our native polecat here in the UK as well as domestic ferrets from the USA. The study is also being carried out in conjunction with veterinarians from the University of California in the US. Ferret specimens ranging from various colours, males and females as well as live and dead specimens of wild polecats are being used to conduct the survey and to help compile any results found for the study. The study involves collating information from determining each specimen as to whether ferret or polecat, the condition of said animal - dead or alive and where it was found/is located. Other information required also for the study is what it's sex is, the animals approximate age, is it neutered?, it's body weight and it's colour.

If the animal is a ferret, things like diet and what it eats have to be listed, is it housed indoors or out, if so what percentage of it's time is spent outdoors and has it been given any vaccines? Once these answers have been recorded, two swabs then have to be taken from each specimens' mouths as well as plucking a number of thick guard hairs from the animals' tail's for DNA testing. Once enough samples have been submitted, the tests will begin and any trends or results compiled will be released in due course... However, this isn't a five minute exercise so patience is required (!) Any findings could be 18 months to 2 years away but once results begin to appear we will definitely pass them on once they have been published! The featured photographs show two ferrets being swabbed. No harm came to the above pictured ferret when the swabbing process was being carried out. Ferrets are very resilient creatures... The following story pretty much sums up this opening sentence! Marilyn who runs our local wildlife hospital received a call recently from a family who witnessed the unfortunate incident of a ferret being run over by a Landrover.

The ferret involved was a young female of approximately 1-2 years of age. Although it miraculously survived, it did suffer a very severe crush injury to it's hind quarters resulting in two very large breaks to its left rear leg. Due to the extent of the damage suffered, a decision had to be made as to whether the ferret had to either be put to sleep or have the badly damaged leg removed. Unsure on which way to go, Marilyn phoned me for some advice as after consulting with the vet, the outlook on the ferret was looking rather bleak... Put it to sleep or amputating the leg at great cost... Because of this, I Emailed and spoke to many people who own ferrets for their views and input and the overwhelming response and opinion was that if the ferret was young, strong and healthy, then the benefit of the doubt should be given on it keeping it's life so after speaking with Marilyn again, the decision was made for the ferret to undergo surgery to have it's leg removed.

Since the ferret underwent surgery to it's leg, i'm glad to say after seeing her recently, she is making a stunning recovery - to the extent of running circles (with her three legs!) around the resident hospital cat! In fact watching her at play, you would think ferrets are born with three legs. They say animals learn to adapt to their disabilities more so than us humans. Knowing and seeing for myself what this small creature has had to endure and now seeing her come through her ordeal - I would certainly agree with this. Ruby, as she has now been named, will live her life with Marilyn at the wildlife hospital where she will now have the care and attention which these wonderful creatures all thoroughly deserve! (The attached photos show ruby shortly after her surgery having had her leg removed). Domestic Ferret - Woodland Park Zoo Seattle WA Domestic Ferret Classification and Range Ferrets are in the order Carnivora as part of the family Mustelidae, which also includes the subfamilies of badgers, martens, otters, skunks and wolverines.

Ferrets are further classified under the subfamily Mustelinae and as one of 16 species in the genus Mustela, which also includes ermines, grisons, mink, polecats and weasels. There are three species of ferrets (also called polecats): the European (M. putorius), the steppe or Siberian (M. eversmanni) and the black-footed (M. nigripes). The classification of ferrets is still not certain. The zoological record refers to these animals in a bewildering array of names, such as Putorius furo, Mustela putorius furo, Mustela putorius form. furo, Mustela furo, Putorius putorius furo and Putorius furo. Classification is further confused by scarce fossil evidence and inconclusive DNA tests of the source of domestic ferrets. Researchers believe that domestic ferrets either derived from M. putorius, M. eversmanni and/or M. nigripes, or a hybrid of any combination of these species.

Due to the lack of a sufficient archaeological record for the domestic ferret, the International Commission on Zoological Nomenclature recently recommended the name for the domestic ferret to be Mustela furo. This recommendation has yet to be approved. European polecats range throughout much of Europe and Asia; they have also been introduced in other countries, such as New Zealand and Australia. Domestic ferrets have no restrictions on their range and live throughout the world. Habitat In the wild, European polecats live in dens created by other animals, near a source of water in temperate woodlands, grasslands and agricultural areas. Wild rabbits live in mostly dry areas near sea level with soft, sandy soil for burrowing. If they need areas of cover, they live in grassy fields or forests. Physical Characteristics Ferrets have a long and slender body covered in soft fur. Their legs are short and tipped with unretractable claws. Strong front shoulders overlap a flexible spine and a long, thick neck. Domestic ferrets are sexually dimorphic (there are obvious physical differences between the sexes); adult males may be twice as large as adult females. The weight and coloration of ferrets vary with the season; these changes may be slight or remarkable.

In preparation for the summer, they lose body fat, molt their fur (it becomes shorter or thinner) and possibly change the color of their fur. As winter approaches, ferrets gain weight, molt again (to grow longer hair) and revert to their winter coloration. The weight of males may increase as much as 40% compared to the summer weight.Humans breed domestic ferrets to produce a wide range of colors, but there are three basic color variations: dark (similar to the wild European polecat), albino (all white) and sable (tan with a dark face, legs and tail). Within the sable coloration, there are different names for the more than 30 varieties of patterns and markings, such as cinnamon, chocolate, champagne, panda, Siamese and silver. Length/Weight Adult males weigh between 1 – 5.5 pounds (.45 – 2.5 kg), have a head and body length of 11.6 – 18.1 inches (29.5 – 46 cm) and have a tail length of 3.5 – 7.5 inches (9 – 19 cm).

In contrast, adult females weigh between .45 – 2.25 pounds (.21 – 1.0 kg), have a head and body length of 8.1 – 15.2 inches (20.5 – 38.5 cm) and have a tail length of 2.8 – 5.5 inches (7 – 14 cm). Life Span Life expectancy in the wild is 5 to 8 years. Domestic ferrets can live up to 14 years in captivity but 7 – 10 years is the average. Diet In the wild: ferrets are obligate carnivores, which means they eat a mostly carnivorous diet of other small mammals, such as rabbits, possums, hedgehogs and rodents. They also eat birds, bird eggs, reptiles, fish, amphibians and invertebrates. Wild ferrets may also eat carrion. At the zoo: commercial ferret chow. Reproduction In the wild, European polecats mate between March and August. Polecats are photo-dependent ovulators, which means the amount of daylight and outside temperatures determine their natural breeding cycle.

With sufficient daylight and warm temperatures, the female goes into estrous. Estrous normally lasts three to five days, but the female remains in estrous until she mates or up to six months. To gain access to females in estrous, males in nearby territories may compete with one another. Males that are ready to mate develop a stronger body odor while increased oil production in their skin glands causes the fur on their undersides to become oily and yellow. Once a male finds a female, they mate for 10 minutes to several hours but average time is one hour. Mating appears violent, as males grab females by the back of the neck and drag them around until they are completely limp. Polecats have very thick skin on the back of their necks and they can sustain very aggressive biting without serious injury. Gestation lasts 38 – 44 days, with an average time of 42 days. If the first litter is lost or the litter size is small, the female may mate and give birth again in the same year. Females raise their young alone. Ten to 12 days before she gives birth, the female secludes herself and prepares the den.

The female gives birth to a litter of two to 17 young (called kits), but litter size averages three to eight. At birth, the kits lack fur and teeth; their eyes are closed and they weigh just .18 – .53 ounces (5 – 15 g). Kits grow very quickly, fed by the nutrient-rich milk of their mother. By 9 days of age, kits begin to grow hair and eventually have all their fur by 4 – 5 weeks old. A kit's eyes and ears do not open until 21 – 37 days after birth and their four permanent canines aren't fully developed until they are 47 – 56 days of age. Three to four weeks after birth, kits begin to venture out of the den. When the kits are 4 to 6 weeks old and weigh 10.6 – 17.6 ounces (300 – 500 g), the mother weans them. For the next few weeks, the female brings killed prey to her burrow for the kits to eat. This helps the kits imprint on what type of food to hunt as they grow older. At about 3 months of age, maternal protection ends.

At this age, juveniles reach adult size, become more independent and leave the den. Juveniles remain together until they are around 6 months of age. Young polecats have a high mortality and many do not live past 1 year of age. Females reach sexual maturity at 6 – 12 months of age, while males mature at 8 – 12 months. In contrast, healthy domestic ferrets may produce up to three successful litters per year with as many as 15 kits total. In years with multiple litters, the female produces more kits in the first litter of the season compared to subsequent litters. Domestic ferret kits and juveniles have similar development rates and weight as their wild counterparts. Life Cycle Juveniles disperse an average of 3.1 miles (5 km) away from their birth den and begin to capture their own prey at 55 – 60 days old. Their first hunts are often unsuccessful, but by about 80 days of age, they almost always capture their prey. Polecats quickly kill their prey via a bite to its neck and are able to capture prey that weigh up to three times their own body weight.

Once they find a burrow in which to live, polecats dig additional entryways or rooms to better suit their needs. For prey that is too large to eat in one meal, polecats store it in a room of their burrow. Polecats do not urinate or defecate in their burrow; rather they use urine and stool to mark their territory. Polecats also use their well-developed anal scent glands to mark their territory and ward off intruders. As an additional marker, male polecats rub the skin oils from their abdomens or sides around the perimeter of their burrow. Domestic ferrets, like their wild counterparts, still maintain instinctive behaviors for territory marking and hunting. Polecats are mostly nocturnal, although females with young may forage during the day. They usually sleep during the day, as much as 15 – 20 hours. In the wild, polecats are solitary and territorial. Unless a female has a litter or is in estrous, polecats strongly defend their territory. In areas with high prey densities, they establish a smaller territory of 30 – 74 acres (12 – 30 ha).

Areas with lower prey densities result in larger territories that range from 247 – 371 acres (100 – 150 ha) in size. If prey densities decrease, polecats will shift their home range to find more food. Neither polecats nor domestic ferrets have a good sense of vision; they seem to be nearsighted. This is actually a helpful adaptation, because inside the dark burrow of a prey, they need to see movement rather than details. Instead of relying on sight, polecats use their sense of smell to track and kill prey. The gait of ferrets and polecats indicates how important their sense of smell is – they often walk or run with their nose on the ground. Like many other mustelids, polecats are strong swimmers and can easily cross rivers or streams to hunt in new areas.\ To defend their territory against other polecats or predators, polecats lunge, attack sideways or emit a staccato clucking sound. This display of bravado and scare tactics is also known as the "weasel war dance." If this display does not work, the polecat may hiss or snap its jaws.

Polecats may also scream in fear; this scream can be very loud and high-pitched. Both polecats and ferrets emit strong-smelling secretions from their anal glands when they are excited or threatened. Polecat or Ferret - What's the difference? From a taxonomic viewpoint, there is essentially no difference. Both animals are currently classified in the same genus Mustela. However, it is unknown if they are actually the same species. The body size and post-cranial skeleton is also similar between ferrets and polecats. Additionally, on the genetic level, there are very few differences between the two animals. Both ferrets and European polecats have 40 chromosomes, whereas steppe polecats and black-footed ferrets have 38. However, while domestic ferrets can breed with wild polecats and produce hybrid young, this fact alone doesn't prove they are the same species. Interestingly, these hybrids are often identical in appearance to wild polecats. Nonetheless, there are some noticeable differences between these two animals. For example, the skull shape and its base are different. The teeth of ferrets are more crowded and vary in number.

There are also differences in the internal structures of the eyes and possibly in each animal's brain. There are strong distinctions in fur coloration, texture and durability. Each animal also has different abilities in balance, leaping and hearing. Wild polecats are solitary and territorial, while ferrets are social and share their space with other ferrets or other animals. Currently, researchers are undecided if the differences are due to domestication or taxonomic variance. Although there are reports of domestic ferrets establishing populations in the wild, there are no scientifically verifiable feral populations in any mainland ecosystem. However, there are feral populations of ferrets in island ecosystems. In any case of feral populations of ferrets, humans introduced and bred them. It is doubtful that these animals descended from domestic ferrets; they are more likely hybrids. Although pet ferrets can escape, hundreds of years of selective breeding for docility and tameness often limit their ability to survive in the wild. Strong Skeletal Structure Polecats and ferrets are strict carnivores and their skeletal structure supports this diet. Starting with their teeth, most of them easily cut meat and some are rooted deep into the skull.

Like a shark, polecats don't chew their food; instead, sharp carnassials cut the food into pieces and the polecat then swallows these pieces. Additionally, when grabbing prey, the lower jaw locks into the skull and prevents the jaw from dislocating during biting or from the force of the jaw muscles. The rest of a polecat's skeleton is no exception to this predator's purpose. Powerful neck muscles combined with the long, flat skull give these animals tremendous gripping strength. A bony covering over their middle ear protects it and actually improves hearing. Long neck vertebrae make it easier to carry prey animals away from the ferret's feet and through tunnels. The long and supple spine allows great flexibility in changing directions while running or turning around in burrows. The spine also serves as a shock absorber during jumping or landing. At the end of their front elbows, there is an extension of bone to make the arms tougher for digging. Lastly, within the tendons that pass over joints, ferrets also usually have two bones for every digit on all four limbs. More bones within the tendons means more surface area on which muscle can attach and results in extremely strong feet.

History with Humans Domestic ferrets have a long history with humans. It is incorrectly assumed that the Egyptians domesticated them around 5,000 years ago. Rather, these depictions on hieroglyphs are of the Egyptian mongoose (Herpestes ichneumon). Ferrets were likely first domesticated in the northern Mediterranean region centered around Greece, some 2,500 years ago. It is difficult to find specific references to ferrets in Greek literature, as writers used the same name for ferret as polecat. Nevertheless, Greek writers both commonly recognized and frequently described either animal. As agriculture and the need for grain storage spread into Europe around 300 B.C., humans needed animals to control rodent infestations. Humans also commonly hunted rabbits for food. Humans chose to domesticate polecats because of their unique ability to easily hunt rabbits and quickly remove rodents from buildings. Given the ferret's natural ability to hunt rodents and the fact that domestic cats had not yet become a popular form of rodent control, the ferret was an obvious choice for domestication. However, as domestic cats became more common, human use of ferrets shifted from protecting grain storage to hunting rabbits.

When hunting rabbits, humans put muzzles on the ferrets to prevent them from eating their prey. By the 1200s, ferrets had spread to Germany and England, either through the expansion of the Roman Empire or with the Norman invasions. During Medieval times, more references to humans using ferrets to hunt rabbits appear in literature. Throughout the Age of Discovery, sailors kept ferrets on ships to control rodent populations. It is thought that this led to their introduction into the USA in the 1700s. By the 1800s, ferrets became more commonly used as pets and royalty often gave them as gifts to visiting heads of state. However, in the early 1900s in the USA, humans imported thousands of ferrets to exterminate vermin that included rabbits, raccoons, gophers, rats and mice. The U.S. Department of Agriculture even promoted the use of ferrets for rodent control in barns, warehouses and granaries. With the advent of chemical control for vermin, ferrets were no longer necessary. In more recent times, humans also bred ferrets to produce fur.

In this capacity, the fur or pelt of the animal is called "fitch." Humans use fitch fur to adorn clothing and other items, as well as to make "flies" for fishing. This term (fitch) also has many other meanings: it may apply to an animal that is bred for its fur, a color pattern on ferrets that is similar to European polecats, hybrids of ferrets and polecats, or even European polecats exclusively. Even as late as the 1980s, fitch fur production was widespread; demand has recently decreased. In the late 1960s, domestic ferrets began to gain in popularity as pets in the USA and around the world. Breeders started to create amazing combinations of fur length and color. Additionally, in recent decades, humans have used domestic ferrets for biomedical research. Laboratory ferrets have many research uses, including studies on toxicology, pharmacology, endocrinology, bacteriology and virology. Elsewhere in the world, humans still use ferrets to hunt and control rabbit populations, or to even transport cables through pipes or tunnels. Location at the Zoo Woodland Park Zoo's ferrets are currently kept off exhibit.

Zoo staff use ferrets in various educational programs presented on zoo grounds. Conservation Connection By early 1900s, European polecats were almost eliminated throughout the United Kingdom, except for in Wales. Recent years have seen recovery in wild populations and European polecat populations remain stable on the continent of Europe. Therefore, polecats are neither threatened nor endangered. However, not all species of Mustela are so fortunate; at least two other species are endangered: the European mink (M. lutreola) and the black-footed ferret (M. nigripes). The black-footed ferret is considered to be the most endangered mammal in North America. It was native to the western United States but as of 1979 was declared extinct in the wild. Fortunately, many zoos have captive breeding programs to reintroduce black-footed ferrets to their native habitat. Introduced populations of ferrets have also been difficult to manage. In the 1860s, humans that colonized New Zealand imported game animals such as rabbits. By the 1870s, with no natural predators, introduced rabbits had destroyed much of the landscape.

Humans attempted to control these rabbit populations by releasing both wild polecats and domestic ferrets from 1879 - 1886. As a result, many of these introduced predators bred into a hybrid – the fitch. With no natural predators, fitch populations exploded on the two islands of New Zealand. Current fitch population is estimated at around 1,000,000 animals. Feral fitch colonies contributed to a disastrous decline in and continue to threaten many of the native bird populations, particularly ground nesting and flightless bird species. Since the onset of this decline, wildlife preservationists in New Zealand have attempted to control fitches through prey avoidance, trapping, poisoning and biological control. Integrated management of these feral populations offers the best hope for reducing their impact on native birds. In comparison, ferrets and polecats introduced into Australia by early British settlers to control non-native rabbit populations had a much smaller impact. In Australia, fitches have many predators, such as dingoes, fox, feral cats and hawks. How You Can Help! The effort to save African mammals requires cooperation and support at the regional, national and international levels. You can help in this cause.

Join and become active in a conservation organization of your choice. Don't buy products made from wild animal parts. Contact your elected representatives and express your views about conservation of endangered species and wild habitats. Contact Woodland Park Zoo at webkeeper@zoo.org to find out about ways you can support conservation programs at the zoo. Learn other ways you can help conserve wildlife and the habitats they require for survival by visiting our How You Can Help page. Sources and Suggested Reading Subsp: M. P. furo Domestic Ferret Fascinating Facts Humans also refer to ferrets as fitches, domestic ferrets, European ferrets, western polecats or European polecats! The Latin names of this species have many meanings: Mustela derives from the term mus (mouse), while putorius is from putor (stench) and furo is from furonem (thief). One could then consider the ferret a "stinky mouse thief"!

Breeding female ferrets are called "jills," spayed females are called "sprites," breeding males are called "hobs" and neutered males are "gibs!" In reference to their use on sailing ships to control rodents, the Massachusetts Colonial Navy in 1986 proclaimed the ferret as its official mascot! Many manufacturers of flu vaccines depend upon ferrets to test the effectiveness of their medicine! American Ferret Association: Frequently Asked Questions Mustela nigripes 3. What is the proper terminology for ferrets by gender and age? Male ferrets are known as "hobs." Female ferrets are referred to as "jills." Baby ferrets are "kits," and a group of ferrets is known as a "business." 4. Where did the ferret originate? Although the European polecat (Mustela putorius) is thought to be its primary ancestor, other species likely contributed to the lineage of the modern pet ferret, including the Steppe polecat (Mustela eversmanii) of Central and Eastern Europe, and Central Asia. Ferret - human interactions are documented throughout world history.

Ferrets were mentioned as early as 450 BCE by the Greek playwright, Aristophanes, who drew similarities between the Achaeans (one classical name for the Greeks) to ferrets in their abilities as thieves. Some historians also believe ferrets were being kept by ancient Egyptians as pets before cats became popular. There is also a possible mention of ferrets in an older version of the King James Bible. However, since the word for ferret has historically been difficult to translate, it is not conclusive that this mention is truly a ferret as some have deciphered the reference as weasel or even lizard! The first universally accepted reference to the ferret was in 63 BCE by a Greek historian named Strabo. Strabo stated that the ferret was bred in captivity in Libya and used for hunting rabbits. "It [Libya] also produces ferrets, equal in size to cats, and like them, except that their noses project further..." (The Geography of Strabo, 17. 3. 4-5) By 600 AD the ferret had made it to Spain to hunt rabbits.

As cultures spread throughout the Mediterranean and into Europe, they adopted the rabbit as a protein source, and so the ferret accompanied them as the hunter. Multiple references to use of ferrets in hunting and for rodent control are noted after the 13th century throughout Europe. Their arrival in the New World occurred when explorers and colonists brought them along as mousers in their ships. Women Hunting Rabbits with a Ferret From the Queen Mary Psalter, 1316-1321 (British Library, MS Royal 2. B. VII) 5. Do ferrets make good pets? Yes! Ferrets combine the best features of dogs and cats with some unique features of their own. Like cats, ferrets are small and quiet. Like dogs, they are affectionate, playful, and enjoy human interaction. They are independent, yet enjoy being with people. Their mischievous and playful nature, retained well into old age, makes them entertaining companions. 6. How intelligent is a ferret? Ferrets will surprise and delight you with what they can do and learn. They recognize their name, respond to verbal and visual commands, and can even learn to do tricks.

Ferrets can also be litter-box trained. The behaviors you want to see in your ferret can best be achieved by training using praise or appropriate treats (see below). 7. Do ferrets bite? A healthy, well-trained ferret should not bite. Like all pets, ferrets need to be taught what acceptable behavior is. Ferrets have a lower bite rate than other household pets - you are less likely to be bit by a ferret than by the family dog. 8. What should a ferret eat? A balanced diet and proper nutrition will lead your ferret to a long, active, and healthy life. Ferrets are strict carnivores; they require diets based on highly digestible animal (meat) protein with little to no carbohydrates. If you choose to feed dry food, choose high quality ferret or cat/kitten foods sold by pet shops, feed stores, and veterinarians with at least 36% protein, that is moderate in fats (approximately 20%) and low in carbohydrates. If feeding a dry food, ferrets must have access to food at all times. Because ferrets generally eat only to caloric need, this means that they will not gorge themselves simply because food is available.

Ferrets have short digestive tracts and fast metabolisms which dictate that they must eat often. Ferrets may also eat natural raw and whole prey diets. Raw diets (also called frankenprey or prey-model) consist of meats, bones, and organs offered in proper proportions. Many commercial brands now make balanced raw diets sold at pet stores, which can be a great addition to a raw feeding schedule. Whole prey diets rely on feeding frozen mice, chicks, etc, much like one would feed a reptile. When feeding raw or whole prey, food does not need to be left available at all times. Whether these are your whole feeding regimen or part of it - they are a valid regimen and many owners and breeders are recognizing the benefits. Ferrets imprint on their food during the first year of life so they should eat a mix of kibble and meats so they become accustomed to different flavors. This becomes especially important during illness, as fussy eaters are difficult to feed. Because of this, many owners recommend feeding a soupy mixture as a treat frequently, and to keep it on hand in case illness strikes.

Most people refer to this as "duck soup" and there are many recipes out there, usually involving kibble soaked in water, baby food, oils, kitten replacer milk, goat�s milk or a variety of other supplements. When deciding on changing your ferret's diet, make sure to do the proper research and consult with your veterinarian. 9. What foods should I not feed my ferret? Ferrets should not eat sugary cereal, peanut butter, grains, corn, rice, carbohydrates, raisins, bananas, other fruits, vegetables, dairy products, chocolate, other sweets, or any food with sugar. All of these items are loaded with complex carbohydrates and a ferret's strictly carnivorous digestive tract cannot process these foods. Diets high in carbohydrates may lead to intestinal problems and some types of cancer. 10. What are the best treats to feed a ferret? Ferrets are obligate carnivores, meaning they must eat animal protein to survive. For this reason, the best treats to feed a ferret are meat-based. Most store-bought treats are not healthy for ferrets, even many that are labeled especially for ferrets!

Acceptable food treats include a small amount of Gerber� or Beech Nut� chicken, beef, or turkey baby food (with no vegetables or starches; gravy is okay), cooked chicken breast (or other cooked meats), and freeze-dried 100% meat products. Table scraps are not an acceptable treat, nor are meats cured with salt, such as many jerkies. 11. Are ferrets nocturnal? Ferrets are not nocturnal. They sleep an average of 18 hours per day, but will adjust their schedule to yours and be eager to play when you are. 12. Do ferrets have an odor? Ferrets naturally have a light, musky odor. This odor is greatly minimized when the animal is spayed or neutered. Ferrets also have scent glands which release scent as a defense. These glands can be surgically removed, but it is not recommended unless medically necessary and will not reduce a ferret's natural scent. Frequent bathing is discouraged as it removes oils that protect the ferret's fur. This causes an over-production of oil, which may increase the ferret's natural odor.

Baths may be given no more than once per month and as infrequent as every few months. Be sure to use a very mild shampoo, like one manufactured especially for ferrets. Regular ear cleaning may also help with a ferret�s odor. Overall, clean bedding and a healthy diet are the best ways to minimize a ferret's odor. 13. Are ferrets cage animals? For their protection, ferrets should be kept in a ferret-proofed area of the home or in a large, well-ventilated cage when not under human supervision. However, ferrets should never be confined for an extended period of time. They need exercise, affection, and human companionship to remain happy and healthy. Ferrets need a MINIMUM of 4 hours per day out of their cage, at least 2 of which should include human interaction. A ferret�s cage and play areas should include plenty of soft bedding, safe toys, and litter boxes filled with paper-based or wood-based pellet form litter. The ferret's living space should be temperature controlled, with the temperature kept in their comfort range of between 50 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit. Ferrets cannot tolerate temperatures above 85 degrees Fahrenheit. 14.

Do ferrets get along with other pets? A ferret's playful and curious nature makes it a natural companion to most larger house pets. Introductions should be made with caution, however, and proper supervision is a must. Dogs with a strong prey drive should not be introduced to ferrets. It is not recommended that ferrets be introduced to birds, rabbits, rodents (this includes hamsters, gerbils, and guinea pigs), or reptiles. 15. What health care does a ferret require? An annual visit to a ferret-knowledgeable veterinarian helps to identify potential problems early. This yearly visit should include a careful physical exam, inspection of the ears for mites, and inspection of the teeth. Dental cleanings should be performed as necessary. Ferrets should be immunized for rabies and canine distemper using only vaccines approved for use in ferrets. A test for Aleutian Disease Virus should be done at least once a year to ensure that your ferret is not carrying this highly contagious and potentially fatal disease. 16. What diseases can ferrets get? Ferrets are susceptible to canine distemper and Aleutian Disease Virus.

In addition, they can come down with flu-like symptoms or respiratory illnesses, similar to the "common cold," which can be transmitted by human companions. It is important to handle a ferret with extreme caution should you become ill. Most commonly seen are diseases of the adrenal glands and pancreas. Signs of an adrenal gland disorder include hair loss, muscle atrophy, urinary blockage in males, and enlarged vulva in females. Pancreatic diseases in the ferret include insulinoma, tumors on the pancreas that cause over secretion of insulin and abnormal blood sugar levels. Signs of pancreatic disease include lethargy, nausea, and seizures. One other disease seen in ferrets is lymphoma, cancers of the lymph system. Signs of lymphoma include weight loss, enlarged spleen, difficulty breathing and lethargy. Veterinary treatment of these diseases can keep a ferret happy and playful and extend their life expectancy. Any digestive problem (changes in bowel routine, extreme weight gain or loss, vomiting) a ferret experiences is potentially serious. The best way to prevent these problems is to keep the ferret in an environment that is clean and free of dangerous objects.

Foam packaging peanuts, rubber chew toys, erasers, shoes, rubber bands, latex, or plastic items should be kept away from the ferret. 17. Can ferrets get fleas? Ferrets exposed to the outdoors or other outdoor pets can acquire fleas. Consult an experienced veterinarian prior to use of any flea product, as ferrets are very sensitive to many pesticides. Ferrets are also at risk for heartworm which is carried by mosquitoes. Ask your veterinarian for a recommendation of a ferret-safe heartworm preventative, if needed. 18. What about ferrets and children? Children and ferrets can be wonderful playmates. A child should be taught how to hold and care for a ferret through plenty of modeling by adults in the household and then lots of practice. It should be emphasized that ferrets must be kept in their safe, ferret-proofed surroundings, are happiest playing with their own toys and should never be fed inappropriate treats like candy. Small children should never be left unsupervised with any animal, no matter how trusted the pet. 19. How long do ferrets live? A healthy ferret can live anywhere from 6 to 10 years.

The best way to maintain a healthy ferret is to be certain to take your ferret for vaccinations and annual vet check-ups. 20. What grooming is required? Proper grooming and maintenance are vital for a happy, healthy ferret. Ferrets are naturally clean animals and will groom themselves often. They will shed their fur twice a year and should be combed during these times to remove loose fur. Baths can be given if necessary, but are not recommended more than a few times a year. An experienced ferret veterinarian can demonstrate proper grooming techniques. Using these techniques, a ferret's nails should be trimmed every two weeks. Ears should be checked for wax buildup or mites at the same time. Teeth should be brushed at least once a month with ferret toothpaste and a soft small pet toothbrush. They should be checked for tartar buildup at this time and cleaned by a veterinarian as needed. 21. Should a ferret be altered? It is strongly recommended that pet ferrets be altered by 7 to 9 months of age for females and 6 to 8 months for males.

Females (known as jills) may go into heat as early as 5 months of age and no later than 7 - 9 months of age. If the jill is not bred or given a hormone shot, the resulting condition is often fatal. Males (known as hobs) that are not neutered produce a strong odor that many people find unpleasant. Ideally, a hob should reach full growth (6 to 8 months of age) before being neutered. 22. What about rabies and distemper? On February 7, 1990, the U.S.D.A. licensed the first rabies vaccine for use in ferrets. This vaccine is known as IMRAB-3 and is a killed virus vaccine also approved for use in dogs and cats. Ferrets should also be vaccinated with an approved vaccine to prevent canine distemper. No part of this web site may be produced, reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means -- electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise -- without the written permission of the copyright owner.

American Ferret Association, Inc., the American Ferret Association logo, and the phrase "Ferret Expo" are registered trademarks of the American Ferret Association, Inc. The History & Physical Characteristics of Ferrets The History & Physical Characteristics of Ferrets Veterinarian, Author, Internationally recognized expert on ferrets What is a ferret? A ferret is a small mammal, usually weighing less than 5 pounds. Females (jills) weigh 1.5 to 2 pounds at maturity and are much smaller than males (hobs), which usually weigh at least 3 pounds and occasionally grow as heavy as 7 pounds. The scientific name for the domestic ferret is Mustela putorius furo, which translates roughly into 'stinky little thief'! Ferrets are not rodents and are not even related to rodents. They are carnivorous animals (meat eaters) biologically similar to cats and dogs. Neutered males are 'gibs,' and spayed jills are 'sprites,' although hardly anyone actually calls them that.

Babies are called 'kits' in North America, but in some countries, notably Australia, they are called 'kittens.' Where do ferrets come from – are there any wild ones? Mustela putorius furo, the domestic ferret, has been domesticated for thousands of years, as long as the cat and dog. There are pictures in Egyptian tombs of ferret-like creatures on leashes. Domestic ferrets are biologically related to mink and weasels and to the black-footed ferret, a wild, weasel-like animal native to North America. All of these animals are called 'mustelids' because their anal glands secrete a strong smelling musk. The first domesticated ferrets probably originated from captive breeding of wild polecats, which still exist in Europe and Asia. Ferrets are smaller than polecats, and although the two species can be cross-bred and produce hybrid babies, they are genetically different. After thousands of generations of domestication, ferrets have no inherent fear of man, and cannot survive without human aid. There are no wild ones anywhere. Ferrets are much smaller and more agile than cats and can follow rodents into smaller holes.

This was probably the reason people thought of catching polecats, breeding them, and keeping the friendliest ones in their homes and barns. About 300 years ago, the first ferrets worked their way to North America from Europe, controlling rodents on the ships of the early colonists. There are still a few ferrets on rat patrol in dairy barns and ships in Canada and the U.S. Although hunting with ferrets is illegal in America now, they have been used to hunt burrowing animals such as rabbits and groundhogs. The ferret does not usually kill the prey: it chases or frightens it out of the burrow where it is captured or killed by some other means. Occasionally ferrets are 'hired' to pull electric or telephone wires through long ducts too small for more conventional methods to be efficient. Coat colors There are two basic colors of ferrets: sable and albino. Albino ferrets have pure white fur and pink eyes. The albino condition is genetically recessive to sable, so if a sable female that carries no albino gene is bred to an albino male, all the kits will be sable, but will carry the albino gene.

When sable ferrets carrying the albino gene are bred to each other, 25% of their offspring may be albino. Breeding sables to albinos does not produce white ferrets with dark eyes: the dark-eyed white color is associated with a different set of genes. All kits have white hair at birth, but albinos remain white, while colored ferrets turn gray during their first week of life. Although white markings can be distinguished, kits do not have a distinctive coat color until they are about 4 weeks old. Even then, their adult color cannot accurately be predicted. Sable ferrets look very much like wild polecats. They have black legs and tail, with a mixture of white or yellow underfur and dark brown or black guard hair on their bodies. (Guard hair is the longer, shinier, surface hair that gives the coat its characteristic color and pattern.) The dark mask around their eyes gives sable ferrets a distinctive appearance. A kit develops its mask at about 2 weeks of age, but has a vertical band of dark hair between its eyes until it is mature. The presence of this 'baby band' distinguishes a young ferret from an adult.

Ferrets shed their coats (molt) spring and fall, and colored ferrets change color when they molt. Some have a distinctly different summer color, and return to the original color with the fall molt. There are many mutations of coat color in ferrets, producing a wide range of shades and patterns. Some colors and patterns have been selected by breeders because they make pet ferrets more distinctive. The new colors and patterns have been given special names, which are somewhat standardized in North America, but not in other countries. Siamese is just a lighter color phase of sable. Siamese ferrets have brown hair where sables have black – the pattern is similar to that of Siamese cats. People who show ferrets have given names to different shades of sable and Siamese. For instance, butterscotch is a very pale shade of Siamese, cinnamon is a very red Siamese, and chocolate is rich, dark brown. In the UK, Siamese ferrets of an even butterscotch color are known as 'sandies.' A black sable has almost no light hairs in its coat, and from a distance appears solid black.

Silver ferrets are silver all over, with no distinct division in color between their bodies and feet. When young, these ferrets might look sable or Siamese, but they often have small spots of white on their hind legs, and there will be some white hairs in their coats if you look hard. Silvers fade with time, becoming whiter with every molt, until they are almost pure white. Silver mitts have pure white paws – these markings can be distinguished at birth because the skin is unpigmented. A young silver mitt may be appear to be sable or Siamese with white feet, but more white appears in the coat with every molt. Some silver kits are almost pure white, with only a few dark hairs down the middle of their backs or on their heads, and even these vanish with a few molts. A white streak between the ears of a sable or Siamese ferret is called a blaze. This may be so wide that most of the head is white, and the ferret has no mask at all, just a narrow ring of color around each eye. At ferret shows these are called pandas.

Pandas may have white mitts, and many have white around their necks ('bibs') or on their chests or bellies. Many have small patches of white on the fronts of their hind legs ('headlights'). Panda markings may be associated with congenital deafness. Dark-eyed ferrets that are born and remain pure white are known as black-eyed or dark-eyed whites to distinguish them from albinos. Occasionally, odd-colored ferrets are born. They may have rings of white on their tails, one or more white toes on each foot, or dramatic patches of color on a white body. However, by the time they are 3 or 4 years old, these ferrets have faded to silver or white, and the odd markings are usually indistinguishable. How long do ferrets live? The average ferret that is fed a good diet and receives regular veterinary care lives 6 or 7 years. Some live to be 8 or 9 and occasionally even older. Ferrets that are allowed to go outside are at much greater risk of injury and disease than inside pets.

For more information on coat colors and patterns see: Facts About Ferrets Facts About Ferrets By Alina Bradford, Live Science Contributor | April 12, 2016 08:02pm ET MORE Ferrets are the third most popular pet, according to the American Ferret Association. Credit: zandyz | Shutterstock A ferret is a small, furry creature with a cone-shaped nose, long tail and a long, pear-shaped body with short legs and long claws. Ferrets are related to wolverines, ermines, minks and weasels in the Mustela genus. They are popular, though often controversial, pets. The vast majority of ferrets are the domesticated variety. Experts think they were bred more than 2,500 years ago from either European polecats (Mustela putorius) or steppe polecats (Mustela eversmanii). These polecats should not be confused with skunks, which are sometimes colloquially called polecats. There are no naturally wild domesticated ferrets. If a pet ferret escapes, it rarely survives more than a few days, according to the American Ferret Association.

However, there is a wild species called the black-footed ferret (Mustela nigripes). These creatures are rare — North America's rarest mammal , according to the University of Michigan's Animal Diversity Web (ADW) — and they are considered endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). Physical description The domesticated ferret can be born with a wide range of fur colors, including dark-eyed white, sable, black sable, silver, albino, cinnamon and chocolate. Black-footed ferrets aren’t nearly as colorful. They are a pale color with white foreheads, muzzles and throats and black feet. Ferrets are around the size and shape of a zucchini. They usually weigh around 1 to 5.5 lbs. (0.5 to 2.5 kg) and have a head and body length of 8 to 18 inches (20.5 to 46 centimeters). Their tails are close to half their body length and range from 2.8 to 7.5 in (7 to 19 cm). Habitat Black-footed ferrets once roamed North America, making their homes in grassy areas.

As recently as the 1970s, black-footed ferrets were considered extinct, but 120 were found in Wyoming in the mid-1980s. Unfortunately, two disease outbreaks wiped out most of the remaining population, and the last 18 were captured for a breeding program. In 2006, the offspring of those 18 were released in eight reintroduction sites in the United States and Mexico, where they are making a comeback , according to the Arizona Game and Fish Department. These animals are true recyclers. They make their homes from old prairie dog tunnels and the burrows of other animals. Each black-footed ferret requires around 100 to 120 acres (40 to 49 hectares) of living space to find adequate food, according to the ADW. Domesticated ferrets usually live in cages, but need at least four hours per day to run outside of their cages. They also thrive in temperatures that are between 50 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit (10 to 27 degrees Celsius). Habits Black-footed ferrets get moving around dusk as they are nocturnal creatures.

They live and roam alone, spending their nights hunting for prey. Ferrets have very good smell, sight and hearing. They make chattering or hissing noises when they are frightened. During the day they sleep. During the winter, ferrets will stay underground for up to a week at a time. Domesticated ferrets are very friendly and will adjust their sleeping schedule to their owner’s. They love to sleep, though, and will slumber up to 18 hours. Diet Ferrets are carnivores, which means they eat only meat. Black-footed ferrets eat usually eat small mammals, such as possums, rabbits, prairie dogs, hedgehogs and rodents. They supplement their diet with amphibians, birds, bird eggs, fish, reptiles, invertebrates and carrion, according to Woodland Park Zoo In Seattle, Washington. Black-footed ferrets usually consume between 1.7 to 2.4 ounces (50 to 70 grams) of meat per day. A domesticated ferret typically eats factory-made chow.

A healthy diet for pet ferrets consist of 36 percent protein, around 20 percent fats and is low in carbohydrates, according to the American Ferret Association. Offspring Male ferrets are known as hobs and female ferrets are called jills. In the wild, hobs and jills mate around March and April. After a gestation period of 35 to 45 days, a jill will give birth to one to six babies. Baby ferrets are called kits. Kits stay in their burrow with their mother for around 42 days, according to the ADW. When autumn comes, the young ferrets leave their mother and become independent and at around a year old they are mature enough to have their own litter. In captivity, ferrets live around 12 years. Classification/taxonomy The exact classification of ferrets is confusing, according to the Woodland Park Zoo and other sources. Fossil evidence is scarce and DNA tests have been inconclusive in figuring out the ferret's family tree. Usually considered a subspecies of the European polecat, ferrets are often listed as Mustela putorius furo.

But according to the California Department of Fish and Wildlife , some experts use Mustela furo, Putorius putorius furo and Putorius furo. The International Commission on Zoological Nomenclature has recommended the name Mustela furo, but the name has not been approved. Here is the taxonomy of ferrets according to the Integrated Taxonomic Information System (ITIS), which is a partnership of several U.S. agencies created to provide reliable information on species names and their hierarchical classification: Kingdom: Animalia Species: Mustela putorius (European polecat); Mustela nigripes (black-footed ferret) Subspecies: Mustela putorius furo (domesticated ferret) Conservation status The IUCN's Red List of Threatened Species categorizes black-footed ferrets as endangered. There are currently only around 206 mature adults in the wild and their population is decreasing. This is due greatly to the prairie dog population decline since prairie dogs are a major food and shelter source for wild ferrets. Credit: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Credit: U.S.

Fish and Wildlife Service Ferret history The ancient Greeks probably domesticated ferrets about 2,500 years ago to hunt vermin, according to the Woodland Park Zoo. The practice then spread across Europe. Sailors kept ferrets on ships to control rats. It is likely that that is how ferrets came to North America in the 1700s. By the 1800s, ferrets were commonly used as pets, and often given as gifts to visiting heads of state. But in the 1900s, harkening back to ferrets' original purpose, the U.S. Department of Agriculture promoted their use for rodent control in barns and warehouses; thousands of ferrets were imported. The practice died out with the introduction of chemicals to exterminate the pests, and ferrets once again became regarded more as pets. Restrictions Some states restrict the importation and possession of ferrets, according to the American Ferret Association . In California, Hawaii and the District of Columbia, ferrets are illegal as pets. Other states have strict regulations about possessing, importing, selling, neutering and vaccinating ferrets.

Other facts A group of ferrets is called a "business." Neutered males usually weigh less than non-neutered males. Like dogs, ferrets have long canine teeth. Like cats, domesticated ferrets can be litterbox trained. Ferrets have a light musky odor, according to the American Ferret Association. In fact, the Latin the species name for the domesticated ferrets is smelly weasel: Mustela = weasel and putorius = smelly. Spaying or neutering minimizes the smell. They also have scent glands, which release a scent as a defense. Additional resources

Question: What are female ferrets and polecats called?
Answer: Jill