Ferret

Ferret

scientific name

Mustela putorius furo

size/weight/height

Total Length (head to tail tip): ~18"
Tail: 6"

Weight: (Male) 3-5lb. - (Female) 1.5-3lb.

adaptations/coloration

Color: guard hairs are blackish-brown, can also be beige or blond • lighter under coat • distinctive dark mask • darker, feet & tail
Anal Glands: large • used to mark territory
Flexibility: able to squeeze through small openings & holes because of elongated tubular bodies with a long neck and trunk and body shape, short legs and flexible spine allows them to turn their body 180 degrees.

behavior

nocturnal
Defense: overpowers or outruns prey (refers to wild ancestors)
Personality: playful, curious & intelligent

reproduction/lifespan

Gestation: 42 days
Offspring: usually 4 - 6
Lifespan: 6-8 years

diet

obligate carnivore
Wild ancestors: small mammals (especially rabbits), birds, reptiles, eggs, frogs & insects
Zoo: Ferret Chow

habitat/range

Wild Ancestors: woods & hilly thickets • native in Europe • Asia & North Africa • black-footed ferret only found in US

status

domestic ferret are common • a relative of the domestic ferret, the black-footed ferret, is endangered

other

domesticated as early as 4th century BC • sometimes confused with the endangered black-footed ferret of North America
Europe: trained to hunt & drive away farmers pests
Illegal to release in US as it is with any domestic animal