Ferret

scientific name

Mephitis putorius

size

Length. ~18"
Tail. ~6"

characteristics

Adaptations/Coloration. blackish-brown coat " lighter under-fur " yellowish patches on ears, face, & nose " black belly, feet, & tail
Anal Glands. large " used to mark home range
Vertebrae. flexible " able to squeeze through small openings & holes

behavior

nocturnal " playful & curious

reproduction/life span

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

diet

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

habitat/range

woods & hilly thickets " 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
US. illegal to release

oregon zoo exhibit

Education Programs