Ferret

scientific name

Mustela putorius furo

size/weight/height

Length: ~18"
Tail: ~6"

adaptations/coloration

Color: blackish-brown, can also be beige or blond " lighter under-fur " yellowish patches on ears, face & nose " black belly, feet & tail
Anal Glands: large " used to mark home range
Flexibility: able to squeeze through small openings & holes because of flexible vertebrae

behavior

nocturnal
Defense: overpowers or outruns prey
Personality: playful & curious

reproduction/lifespan

Gestation: 42 days
Offspring: usually 4 - 6
Nests: underground

diet

carnivorous
Wild. small mammals (especially rabbits), birds, reptiles, eggs & insects " will raid roosting poultry
Zoo: Ferret Chow & chicken necks

habitat/range

woods & hilly thickets " Native in Europe " Europe, Asia & North Africa " black-footed ferret only found in US

status

domesticated animals are common " black-footed are endangered

other

domesticated as early as 4th century BC " sometimes confused with the endangered black-footed ferret of North America
England: called "Foul Martin" - den reeks of its occupant (characteristic of Mustelid family)
Europe: native " trained to hunt & drive away farmers pests
Illegal to release in U.S.

oregon zoo exhibit

Education Programs