Ferrets belong to the weasel family (Mustelidae), which includes polecats, stoats, and ermines. Domesticated ferrets most likely descend from the European polecat. Ferrets were domesticated about 2,500 years ago. Historically, ferrets were used to hunt rabbits and rodents.

Like stoats, ferrets have a large, distinctive tail, but whereas stoats have a pale belly, ferrets have a dark colored stomach. Ferrets have a black tip on the tail very much like stoats. Ferrets are part of Mustelidae family and are carnivorous mammals like stoats.

Weasels belong to one of 10 species in the Mustelidae family, while ferrets are part of a subspecies within the polecat branch of the Mustelid family. Ferrets have longer bodies and a shorter tail compared to weasels. Ferrets are nocturnal and crepuscular creatures, while weasels are not.

1. Ferrets are mustelids. The Mustelidae family is the weasel family which includes otters, badgers, skunks, pine martens, polecats, wolverines, and more! The only wild ferret left is called the Black-Footed Ferret and they live in prairie dog burrows!

Domesticated originally for vermin control, they now make extremely popular pets and are legal in all or parts of every state except California and Hawaii. Despite intensive lobbying to legalize ferrets in California, however, you cannot legally keep a ferret in California without a permit.

Also, most ferrets are spayed and neutered so they can’t breed. This “ferret legal in California” issue is very complicated and if you want to learn more about it, read my post on why are ferrets illegal in California.

Where Are Ferrets Illegal. There are two states where ferrets are completely illegal: California and Hawaii.

But, ferrets aren’t for everyone and, in 1999, then Mayor Giuliani enacted a ban on ownership of the pet within the city’s five boroughs. The ban came from a concern for potential attacks on children and the likelihood of the transmittal of rabies, which ferrets, considered a wild animal, are said to carry.

Ferrets must be taught not to nip or bite, much the same way that kittens and puppies are taught what behavior is appropriate. A domestically bred ferret will usually not be vicious or aggressive, but it is in its nature to enjoy games that simulate hunting, tug-of-war, chasing, or mock combat.

In the U.S., ferrets sold at pet stores are “descented” by surgically removing the anal glands. “In spite of that,” said Fiorella, “ferrets have a naturally occurring musky smell due to other scent glands in their skin.”

The Smart Alpha Ferret Personality She demonstrated the alpha personality to the rest of the ferrets, and her role of leader was seldom challenged. She was the smartest ferret we have had, and her inquisitive and persistent personality kept her in trouble most of the time.

Most ferrets will respond positively to belly rubs and soft scratches. You can also press the ferret to your chest area and carry it around the house to show it affection. If you notice your ferret backing away from you or pushing against your hand with its head, it wants to be left alone.

Male ferrets have preputial gland secretions that they will wipe on objects by dragging their bellies across the ground. Perianal scent glands are also used for scent-marking by dragging the anus or scooting across the ground (anal drag).

When a Ferret Licks Another’s Ears Ferrets will groom each other regularly, especially if they are close with each other and get along well. Just as with cats, when a ferret chooses to care for and groom another ferret, it is a sign of trust and a close bond with the other ferret.