1. Ferrets
By Mr. “Playoffs” Chapman

2. Classification
• Kingdom – Animalia
• Phylum – Chordata
• Class – Mammalia
• Order – Carnivora
• Family – Mustelidae (weasel family)

3. Weasel Family

5. History
• Cousins to weasels,
mink, and polecats
• The domestic ferret (our
ferrets!) are believed to
be a descendant of the
European Polecat
– Wild animal in forest and
meadows of Europe
– Nocturnal and capable of
climbing
– Will burrow and chase
rabbits out

6. Information
• In the US for 300 years
– Used for rodent control in the 1800’s
• Used in scientific research since they catch the
same colds as humans
• Have helped to wire airplanes in hard to reach
places (they love to enter anything that looks
like a tunnel)
• Wild ferret  black footed ferret
– One of the most endangered mammals in the US

8. Characteristics
• Body – long, lean,
slender and muscular
• Fur – dense and very
soft.
• Legs – short legs.
• Head – oval shaped
and pointed snout.

9. Characteristics
• Male – 16-20 inches
long, 3-5 pounds
• Female – 12-14
inches long, 1.5-3
pounds

10. Odor
• Musky Odor (the stank)
• Stronger in males
• Originates in the anal glands (can be
removed)
• Non neutered males will leave drops of
urine in areas where they have traveled
(leaves strong musky sent marks)

11. Characteristics
• Eyesight – poor
• Primarily nocturnal in nature; don’t see
well in bright light.
• Highly developed sense of hearing, smell
and touch
• Learn their owner’s voice and can learn to
do tricks!
• Live 8-11 years