Animal Profiles
Mammals

Ferret

Mustela putorius furo

Living

Living individuals or members of this group exist today. This does not mean they are safe from extinction.

The domestic ferret is a slender carnivorous mammal kept by people. It is related to the European polecat and is distinct from the black-footed ferret.

Mustela putorius furo (domestic ferret)

Alfredo Gutiérrez · CC BY-SA

At a glance

Location
Domestic ferrets occur in human households and working settings around the world. Their distribution reflects domestication, rather than a single natural wild range.
Habitat
Towns and cities
Diet
Carnivore
Food
Animal-based food supplies the nutrients required by this carnivore.

Classification

Common name
Ferret
Browse group
Mammals
Scientific name or taxon
Mustela putorius furo
Taxon rank
subspecies
Order
Carnivora
Family
Mustelidae
Genus
Mustela
Source classification
Mammalia

Taxonomy checked against GBIF. For breeds and hybrids, this describes the listed parent taxon.

Three things to know

  • Its body is long and flexible.
  • It is naturally inquisitive.
  • It often has activity peaks around twilight.

Habitat and range

Domestic ferrets occur in human households and working settings around the world. Their distribution reflects domestication, rather than a single natural wild range.

Appearance and adaptations

Short limbs and an elongated trunk help a ferret move through narrow spaces. Males are generally larger than females, and domestic coat patterns vary.

Diet and behaviour

Animal-based food supplies the nutrients required by this carnivore. Ferrets investigate tunnels and hidden spaces and can be playful with companions. Resting periods occupy much of the day, and activity can adjust to household routines.

Sources

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