Restricted Species - Fact Sheet
Ferrets (Mustela putorius furo)
Origin and distribution
The ferret is a domesticated animal, which means that it is not found in the wild. Ferrets were domesticated by humans over 2,500 years ago, probably to assist with hunting rabbits. For this reason, the origin of ferrets is contentious, although it appears that ferrets may have originated from Western Europe.
It is illegal to keep ferrets as pets in many countries, including Iceland, New Zealand, Portugal, some states of the United States, and Japan. In Australia, it is illegal to keep ferrets as pets in Queensland and in the Northern Territory, and a licence is required to keep ferrets as pets in Victoria and the ACT. In Tasmania, ferrets are allowed to be kept as pets, however it is illegal to release ferrets into the wild.
Habitat
Ferrets live in open grassland, woodland and bushland, as well as disturbed habitats which are closely associated with people.
Taxonomy / classification
This species belongs to the Mustelidae family, which includes weasels and polecats. Because ferrets are so closely related to polecats, there have been numerous reports of breeding between these two species, leading to wild populations of crossbred animals.
Description
Ferrets are 48-60 cm in length (including the tail). They have a long, thin body, short legs and a furry tail, which is about half as long as their body. They can weigh up to 2.3 kg.
Domestication of ferrets has led to the development of a variety of colours and patterns, including albino, cream, sandy, ginger, brown and dark brown, with a cream underbelly.
Feeding
Ferrets are carnivorous, which means that they are specialist meat eaters. In the wild, it is thought that ferrets ate whole animals, including meat, organs, bone, fur and feathers of their prey. Interestingly, many websites recommend feeding dry cat food to ferrets, while others suggest that for a natural and healthy diet, ferrets should be fed mice, birds, meat and bones.
Breeding
Ferrets breed once per year. Their litters may contain up to 12 young, although smaller litters are generally more common. Ferrets remain with their mothers until they are about three months old.
Ferrets will use crevices and hollow logs as dens as well as the burrows of native animals, forcing native animals to find another home.
Behaviour
Ferrets spend between 14 and 18 hours each day sleeping. They are most active between dawn and dusk. When they are awake, ferrets are very active, curious animals and require lots of exercise and activity.
While ferrets are still used for hunting in some locations, mostly ferrets are just kept as pets.
Life expectancy
Ferrets may live for 6-8 years in the wild and up to 14 years in captivity (although 8-10 years is more common).
Potential impacts of introduction
In many locations, ferrets are considered to be an environmental pest because of the potential impact that they can have on native populations of birds, lizards, rodents and other wildlife. Ferrets are particularly devastating because they will prey on all life stages, from adult and juvenile animals to eggs. In New Zealand, ferrets were released into the wild in an attempt to control the feral rabbit population. However, this has since led to significant declines in native birds (including the Weka, Kapkapo, Kea, Laughing Owl, Black Stilt, and Royal Albatross), lizards and insects.
The ferret is also a minor pest of agriculture because it will damage poultry production by preying on chickens and eggs. In New Zealand there are concerns about ferrets spreading Bovine Tuberculosis (Tb) to domestic stock through direct contact or contact with faeces.
Ferrets may also bit people, causing nasty injuries. In particular, small children and infants may be at risk of injury.
Ferrets in the NT
Ferrets are listed as a Restricted Species in the Northern Territory, which means that it is illegal to keep ferrets. For this reason, permits will not be issued to people to keep ferrets in the Northern Territory. This decision was made to protect our native wildlife, as in some cases, ferrets may be deliberately or accidentally released into the wild, where they may prey on our native species, causing serious declines in populations or even the extinction of some species.
For more information, contact:
Parks and Wildlife
Department of Natural Resources, Environment, the Arts and Sport
PO Box 496, PALMERSTON NT 0831
Tel 08 8995 5008
Fax 08 8995 5099
