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Ferret

© Josie Shadwell

Ferret, is a common name for the domesticated polecat, which is common in the Old World. The domestic ferret, originating in Europe and commonly sold in pet stores, is a relative of the black-footed ferret. Domesticated ferrets are found in a large variety of colors, and have been used to hunt rats, mice, and rabbits. Other species, including the long-tailed weasel and domestic ferret, are often mistaken for the black-footed ferret.

This mustelid is very fastidious, scratching sand over its refuse and toilet area, much as a cat does. Squatting on its hind legs it will stretch their slender bodies erect to get a better look at something. Vocalization is used for various purposes by black-footed ferrets. A chatter or hiss is used as an alarm call, and whimpering sounds are used by females to encourage young to follow.

The wild species of North American is the black-footed ferret or Mustela nigripes. The closest relative of the black-footed ferret is the Siberian polecat from eastern Asia. The black-footed ferret is thought to have descended from the Siberian polecat, crossing to North America in the Pleistocene when the two continents were connected at what is now the Bering Strait.

It's preferred habitat is the short and mid grass prairies. This carnivore is nocturnal and usually solitary unless it is breeding season. It is also listed as an endangered species. The ferret was also held in special regard by Native Americans, who used its pelts on headdresses and in religious ceremonies.

Black-footed ferrets would not be readily observed even if they were common. They are primarily nocturnal, with most daytime activity limited to the first few hours following sunrise. They spend most of their time in underground burrows.

Its main source of food is the prairie dog, and the black-footed ferret has been known to use the prairie dogs' burrows for shelter, travel, and food. Pretty nifty use of the accommodations at hand, I'd say! Scientists tend to believe that the decrease in the prairie dog population has been a major factor in the decrease of the ferret.

The range of the black-footed ferret coincides closely with that of the prairie dog on which the ferret depends for food and habitat. As the plains were settled and large tracts of prairie were plowed for farmland, prairie dog and ferret habitat was destroyed.

This predator is usually a yellowish buff color, with the palest colors on its under body. The muzzle, forehead, ears, throat, belly, and base of the tail are usually white. The top of the head and middle of the back are brown, with the facemask, feet, and part of the tail being black. The body is thick with stout legs, and has a short tail that is well furred but not bushy. Its oval ears are prominent. The ferret runs to a length of about 24 inches including a 5-6 inch tail.

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