Ferrets

Ferrets are an albino domesticated form of Polecat.


The fur is usually white or yellowish, but polecat - coloured ferrets can also be found. They are widely found across Europe and are part of the Mustelidae family, which also includes otters and skunks. They have a very flexible backbone and are renowned for their agility- they can literally be bent in half, making them very useful to farmers, who send them down rabbit burrows.

  • Least Concern
  • Near Threatened
  • Vulnerable
  • Endangered
  • Critically Endangered
  • Extinct in the Wild
  • Extinct

Key Facts

Family:
Mustelidae
Diet:
Dry food, fresh meat, day-old chicks and pinkies, fruits and sweet vegetables.
Life Span:
Average life span 8 years but can live to 11
Distribution:
Domesticated
Did you know?
Ferrets actually have scent glands similar to skunks and will release the contents (not spray) if threatened; it is much milder than a skunk though.

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