Ferrets are members of the family
, which include weasels, mink, otters, skunk, ermines, fishers, and many others. Their closest relative is the European polecat, and it is believed that the domestic ferret is a direct descendant of this species. Domestic ferrets should not be confused with the endangered Black Footed Ferret; while their appearance is similar, the two animals are actually only distant cousins of one another.
Ferrets are domestic animals. They should not be classified as wild, as ferrets have been domesticated since at least 4 BC and have since lost all of their wild instincts and ability to survive in the wild. In fact, if ferrets escape the safe confinement of your home, the average length of time that your pet can survive is a mere three to five days. They are most likely to die as a result of dehydration, starvation, or being killed by a predator (due to the extremely trusting nature of ferrets). Never let your ferret "free" if you can no longer want to keep him! Use the services of a ferret shelter. Ferrets are also not exotic pets. While many pet stores classify ferrets as exotics, the definition of an exotic pet is one that is also found in the wild. Because there are no wild colonies of ferrets, to call ferrets exotic would be false. Ferrets are "companion animals" just as cats and dogs are. (Note: if this issue were to really be contested, ferrets are even more domesticated than cats and dogs; cats and dogs can and do survive out of captivity).
A ferret is a mammal weighing (usually) less than 5 pounds. Some males (hobs) have been known to weigh in at slightly more than 5 pounds - females (jills) usually weigh from 1.5 to 3 pounds. Their scientific name is Mustela Putorius Furo; they are carnivorous. Domestic ferrets have glands throughout their bodies and a main scent gland under their tail; when frightened, they discharge a strong smelling secretion to warn of the attacker. Ferrets are usually descented and spayed or neutered at a young age, before they are fully weaned and sold to pet shops.
Ferrets have been domesticated for centuries - as far back as the Egyptians who carved their likeness on tomb walls - they were kept by royalty in England to keep the rodent population under control in castles - Queen Elizabeth had an albino ferret as a pet. Ferrets are still used to this day to hunt rabbits and rats ... they are also used to carry wire through tunnels and pipes.
