Ferret
A domestic ferret
Conservation status
Domesticated
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Animalia Phylum: Chordata Class: Mammalia Order: Carnivora Family: Mustelidae Genus: Mustela Species: M. putorius Subspecies: M. p. furo
Trinomial name
Mustela putorius furo (Linnaeus, 1758)

The ferret is a domestic mammal of the type Mustela putorius furo. Domestic ferrets typically have brown, black, white, or mixed fur, have an average length of approximately 20 inches (51 cm) including a 5 inch (13 cm) tail, weigh about 2-4 pounds (1 kg),^[1] and have a natural lifespan of 7 to 10 years.^[2][3][4] Look up ferret in Wiktionary, the free dictionary. ... Image File history File links No higher resolution available. ... The conservation status of a species is an indicator of the likelihood of that species remaining extant either in the present day or the near future. ... Scientific classification redirects here. ... For other uses, see Animal (disambiguation). ... Classes See below Chordates (phylum Chordata) are a group of animals that includes the vertebrates, together with several closely related invertebrates. ... Subclasses & Infraclasses Subclass †Allotheria* Subclass Prototheria Subclass Theria Infraclass †Trituberculata Infraclass Metatheria Infraclass Eutheria For the folk-rock band see The Mammals. ... Families 17, See classification The diverse order Carnivora (IPA: or ; from Latin carō (stem carn-) flesh, + vorāre to devour) includes over 260 species of placental mammals. ... Subfamilies Lutrinae Melinae Mellivorinae Taxidiinae Mustelinae Mustelidae is a family of carnivorous mammals. ... Alternate uses: Weasel (disambiguation) Species Mustela africana Mustela altaica Mustela erminea Mustela eversmannii Mustela felipei Mustela frenata Mustela kathiah Mustela lutreola Mustela lutreolina Mustela nigripes Mustela nivalis Mustela nudipes Mustela putorius Mustela sibirica Mustela strigidorsa Mustela vison Weasels are mammals in the genus Mustela of the Mustelidae family. ... Binomial name Mustela putorius (Linnaeus, 1758) This article is about one species of mammal referred to as Polecat. For other uses, see Polecat (disambiguation). ... Trinomial nomenclature is a taxonomic naming system that extends the standard system of binomial nomenclature by adding a third taxon. ... Carl Linnaeus, Latinized as Carolus Linnaeus, also known after his ennoblement as  , (May 13, 1707[1] – January 10, 1778), was a Swedish botanist, physician and zoologist[2] who laid the foundations for the modern scheme of nomenclature. ... Look up Domestic in Wiktionary, the free dictionary. ... Subclasses & Infraclasses Subclass †Allotheria* Subclass Prototheria Subclass Theria Infraclass †Trituberculata Infraclass Metatheria Infraclass Eutheria For the folk-rock band see The Mammals. ...

Several other small, elongated carnivorous mammals belonging to the family Mustelidae (weasels) also have the word "ferret" in their common names, including an endangered species, the Black-footed Ferret. The ferret is a very close relative of the polecat, but it is as yet unclear whether it is a domesticated form of the European Polecat, the Steppe Polecat, or some hybrid of the two. This tigers sharp teeth and strong jaws are the classical physical traits expected from carnivorous mammalian predators A carnivore (IPA: ), meaning meat eater (Latin carne meaning flesh and vorare meaning to devour), is an animal that eats a diet consisting mainly of meat, whether it comes from live animals... Subclasses & Infraclasses Subclass †Allotheria* Subclass Prototheria Subclass Theria Infraclass †Trituberculata Infraclass Metatheria Infraclass Eutheria For the folk-rock band see The Mammals. ... The hierarchy of scientific classification In biological classification, family (Latin: familia, plural familiae) is a rank, or a taxon in that rank. ... Subfamilies Lutrinae Melinae Mellivorinae Taxidiinae Mustelinae Mustelidae is a family of carnivorous mammals. ... Alternate uses: Weasel (disambiguation) Species Mustela africana Mustela altaica Mustela erminea Mustela eversmannii Mustela felipei Mustela frenata Mustela kathiah Mustela lutreola Mustela lutreolina Mustela nigripes Mustela nivalis Mustela nudipes Mustela putorius Mustela sibirica Mustela strigidorsa Mustela vison Weasels are mammals in the genus Mustela of the Mustelidae family. ... The Siberian Tiger is a subspecies of tiger that are critically endangered. ... Binomial name (Audubon & Bachman, 1851) The Black-footed Ferret (Mustela nigripes) is a small carnivorous North American mammal closely related to the Steppe Polecat of Russia, and a member of the diverse family Mustelidae which also includes weasels, mink, polecats, martens, otters, and badgers. ... Polecat may refer to: One of several species of weasel: European polecat marbled polecat steppe polecat Skunks, or other members of the Mephitidae family Lineman (occupation), sometimes colloquially referred to as polecats The Polecats, a 1980s British new wave/rockabilly band Polecat (band) Typical Barbershop Songs Lockheed Martin Polecat, an... Binomial name Mustela putorius (Linnaeus, 1758) This article is about one species of mammal referred to as Polecat. For other uses, see Polecat (disambiguation). ... Binomial name (Lesson, 1827) The Steppe Polecat (Mustela eversmannii) is a small carnivore and is one of several species of weasel that belong to the genus Mustela. ...

The history of the ferret's domestication is uncertain, like that of most other domestic animals. It is very likely that ferrets have been domesticated for at least 2,500 years, but it is not certain for what purpose the ferret was originally domesticated. They are still used for hunting rabbits in some parts of the world today, but increasingly they are being kept simply as pets. For other uses, see Rabbit (disambiguation). ...

Being so closely related to polecats, ferrets are quite easily able to hybridize with them, and this has occasionally resulted in feral colonies of ferret polecat hybrids that have been perceived to have caused damage to native fauna, perhaps most notably in New Zealand. As a result, some parts of the world have imposed restrictions on the keeping of ferrets. Look up hybrid in Wiktionary, the free dictionary. ...

History

Like most domestic animals, the original reason for ferrets' domestication by human beings is uncertain but it may have involved hunting. It was most likely domesticated from the European polecat (Mustela putorius), though it is also possible that ferrets are descendants of the Steppe polecat (Mustela eversmannii), or some hybridization thereof.^[5] Analysis of mitochondrial DNA suggests that ferrets were domesticated around 2,500 years ago, although what appear to be ferret remains have been dated to 1500 BC.^[6] It has been claimed that the ancient Egyptians were the first to domesticate ferrets, but as no mummified remains of a ferret have yet been found, or any hieroglyph of a ferret, and no polecat now occurs wild in the area, that idea seems unlikely.^[7] Binomial name Mustela putorius (Linnaeus, 1758) This article is about one species of mammal referred to as Polecat. For other uses, see Polecat (disambiguation). ... Binomial name (Lesson, 1827) The Steppe Polecat (Mustela eversmannii) is a small carnivore and is one of several species of weasel that belong to the genus Mustela. ... Mitochondrial DNA (some captions in German) Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) is the DNA located in organelles called mitochondria. ... Hieroglyphics redirects here. ...

The Greek word ictis occurs in a play written by Aristophanes, The Acharnians, in 425 BC. Whether this was actually a reference to ferrets, polecats, or the similar Egyptian Mongoose is uncertain.^[8] For other uses, see Aristophanes (disambiguation). ... Wikisource has original text related to this article: The Acharnians in Greek The Acharnians (Ancient Greek: / Akharneĩs) is a comedic play by the ancient Greek satirist Aristophanes. ... The Egyptian mongoose is found in Africa (quite commonly in Sudan). ...

The name "ferret" is derived from the Latin furittus, meaning "little thief", a likely reference to the common ferret penchant for secreting away small items.^[9] Ferrets were probably used by the Romans for hunting.^[10][11] For other uses, see Latins and Latin (disambiguation). ...

Colonies of feral ferrets have established themselves in areas where there is no competition from similarly sized predators, such as in the Shetland Islands. Where ferrets coexist with polecats, hybridization is common. It has been claimed that New Zealand has the world's largest feral population of ferret-polecat hybrids.^[12] In 1877, farmers in New Zealand demanded that ferrets be introduced into the country to control the rabbit population, which was also introduced by humans. Five ferrets were imported in 1879, and in 1882-1883, 32 shipments of ferrets were made from London, totaling 1,217 animals. Only 678 landed, and 198 were sent from Melbourne, Australia. On the voyage, the ferrets were mated with the European polecat, creating a number of hybrids that were capable of surviving in the wild. In 1884 and 1886, close to 4,000 ferrets and ferret hybrids, 3,099 weasels and 137 stoats were turned loose.^[13] Concern was raised that these animals would eventually prey on indigenous wildlife once rabbit populations dropped, and this is exactly what happened to New Zealand bird species which previously had no mammalian predators. A feral horse (an American mustang) in Wyoming A feral animal or plant is one that has escaped from domestication and returned, partly or wholly, to its wild state. ... The Shetland Islands, also called Shetland (archaically spelled Zetland) formerly called Hjaltland, comprise one of 32 council areas of Scotland. ... This article is about the capital of England and the United Kingdom. ... The City of Melbournes coat of arms The central business district of Melbourne, viewed from the north Alternate meanings: Melbourne (disambiguation) Melbourne is the capital and largest city of the state of Victoria, and the second largest city in Australia, with a population of 52,117 in the Central... Binomial name Mustela putorius (Linnaeus, 1758) This article is about one species of mammal referred to as Polecat. For other uses, see Polecat (disambiguation). ... This article is about a biological term. ... Alternate uses: Weasel (disambiguation) Species Mustela africana Mustela altaica Mustela erminea Mustela eversmannii Mustela felipei Mustela frenata Mustela kathiah Mustela lutreola Mustela lutreolina Mustela nigripes Mustela nivalis Mustela nudipes Mustela putorius Mustela sibirica Mustela strigidorsa Mustela vison Weasels are mammals in the genus Mustela of the Mustelidae family. ... Binomial name Mustela erminea Linnaeus, 1758 The Stoat (Mustela erminea) is a small mammal of the family Mustelidae. ...

Ferreting

Main article: Rabbiting

For hundreds of years, the main use of ferrets was for hunting, or ferreting. With their long, lean build and inquisitive nature, ferrets are very well equipped for getting down holes and chasing rodents and rabbits out of their burrows. Caesar Augustus sent ferrets or mongooses (named "viverrae" by Plinius) to the Balearic Islands to control the rabbit plagues in 6 BC.^[14] They are still used for hunting in some countries, including the United Kingdom, where rabbits are considered a plague species. However, the practice is illegal in several countries where it is feared that ferrets could unbalance the ecology. Rabbiting is the sport of hunting rabbits. ... Suborders Sciuromorpha Castorimorpha Myomorpha Anomaluromorpha Hystricomorpha Rodentia is an order of mammals also known as rodents, characterised by two continuously-growing incisors in the upper and lower jaws which must be kept short by gnawing. ... The famous statue of Octavian at the Prima Porta Caesar Augustus (Latin:IMP·CAESAR·DIVI·F·AVGVSTVS) ¹ (23 September 63 BC–19 August AD 14), known to modern historians as Octavian for the period of his life prior to 27 BC, is considered the first and one of the most... Pliny the Elder: an imaginative 19th Century portrait. ... Capital Palma de Mallorca Official languages Catalan and Spanish Area  â€“ Total  â€“ % of Spain Ranked 17th  4,992 km²  1. ... In their natural environment and in captivity, rabbits are a benign, even useful species. ...

In England, in 1390, a law was enacted restricting the use of ferrets for hunting to those of substantial means:

Ferrets were first introduced into the New World in the 17th century, and were used extensively from 1860 until the start of World War II to protect grain stores in the American West. Frontispiece of Peter Martyr dAnghieras De orbe novo (On the New World). Carte dAmérique, Guillaume Delisle, 1722. ... Combatants Allied powers: China France Great Britain Soviet Union United States and others Axis powers: Germany Italy Japan and others Commanders Chiang Kai-shek Charles de Gaulle Winston Churchill Joseph Stalin Franklin Roosevelt Adolf Hitler Benito Mussolini Hideki Tōjō Casualties Military dead: 17,000,000 Civilian dead: 33,000...

Ferrets as pets

In the United States, ferrets were relatively rare pets until the 1980s. Dr. Wendy Winstead, a veterinarian and former folk singer who had her first ferret in 1969, sold ferrets to a number of celebrities including Dick Smothers and David Carradine while making television appearances on programs such as the David Letterman Show with ferrets in the 1980s,^[17] writing books and promoting them until her death in the 1990s from cancer. A government study by the California State Bird and Mammal Conservation Program found that by 1996, approximately 800,000 or so domestic ferrets were likely being kept as pets in the United States.^[18] This article is about animals kept for companionship. ... Dr. Wendy Winstead was a folk singer/writer, author, and veterinarian that has been credited with popularizing ferrets as pets in the United States in the mid 1970s. ... Look up veterinarian in Wiktionary, the free dictionary. ... Folk music, in the original sense of the term, is music by and of the people. ... Dick Smothers (born November 20, 1938) is an American comedian, composer and musician from New York, New York. ... David Carradine (born John Arthur Carradine on December 8, 1936 in Hollywood, California) is an American actor. ... Late Night with David Letterman was a nightly hour-long comedy talk show on NBC hosted by David Letterman. ...

Activity and nature

Ferrets sleeping in a pile

Ferrets spend 14 to 18 hours a day sleeping and are naturally crepuscular, meaning they are most active during dusk and dawn. Though ferrets sleep more than most domesticated animals, they are very active when awake and will seek to be released from their cage to get exercise and satisfy their abundant curiosity daily. ImageMetadata File history File links Download high resolution version (1529x1290, 428 KB) Domestic ferret (Mustela putorius furo), lots of Ferrets, who sleep, male photo taken by: de:User:Viki on Oct 30, 2004 first upload: March 5, 2004 - de:Wikipedia File links The following pages link to this file: Ferret... ImageMetadata File history File links Download high resolution version (1529x1290, 428 KB) Domestic ferret (Mustela putorius furo), lots of Ferrets, who sleep, male photo taken by: de:User:Viki on Oct 30, 2004 first upload: March 5, 2004 - de:Wikipedia File links The following pages link to this file: Ferret... Adult Firefly or Lightning Bug – a Crepuscular Beetle Photuris lucicrescens Crepuscular is a term used to describe animals that are primarily active during the twilight. ... Dusk in Breaux Bridge, Louisiana, USA. Dusk outside a plane on cruise. ... Dawn in Peng Chau, Hong Kong. ...

Ferret dragging off toy to hide

Ferrets are energetic, curious, interested in their surroundings, and often actively solicit play with humans, having a repertoire of behaviors both endearing and difficult for some human owners. Play for a ferret will often involve hide-and-seek games, or some form of predator/prey game in which either the human attempts to catch the ferret or the ferret to catch the human. They also have a strong nesting instinct and will repeatedly carry small objects to hidden locations. It is difficult to predict what objects ferrets will attempt to hoard, with owners reporting play toys, socks, bags of onions, pizza slices, keys, calculators, silverware, aluminum foil, shoes, sponges, toilet paper rolls, textbooks, video game controllers, footballs, brooms, etc. Ferrets will seemingly form attachments to certain objects and will repeatedly 'steal' the same object and bring it to their hiding place. Image File history File links Metadata No higher resolution available. ... Image File history File links Metadata No higher resolution available. ... Hide and seek is a childrens game. ... For the software, see hoard memory allocator. ...

Ferrets are easily entertained and do not require pet toys; however, most kitten toys work well with ferrets. Ferrets love playing tug of war with toys and stuffed animals. Ferrets will also tear open packages and other containers to see what is inside or explore the inside of the package. Ferrets are interested in holes, pipes and other small enclosed areas, and seem compelled to explore holes. Thus a cardboard or plastic tube will be appreciated. Ferrets are especially fond of variety in their toy selection - bell-balls, crinkle tubes, and paper bags will work well. All toys should be mixed up regularly, as ferrets will often grow bored of playing the same games repeatedly. Tug of war Tug of war, also known as rope pulling, is a sport that directly pits two teams against each other in a test of strength. ...

Ferret playing tug with his hair pick

When ferrets are excited, they may perform a routine commonly referred to as the weasel war dance, a frenzied series of sideways hops. This is often accompanied by a soft clucking noise, commonly referred to as dooking. It is often an invitation to play or an expression of happy excitement and is not threatening. Image File history File linksMetadata Download high resolution version (1024x768, 294 KB) Summary Photo of Ferret Licensing File links The following pages link to this file: Ferret Metadata This file contains additional information, probably added from the digital camera or scanner used to create or digitize it. ... Image File history File linksMetadata Download high resolution version (1024x768, 294 KB) Summary Photo of Ferret Licensing File links The following pages link to this file: Ferret Metadata This file contains additional information, probably added from the digital camera or scanner used to create or digitize it. ... The weasel war dance is a colloquial term for a behavior of excited ferrets. ...

A ferret in a War Dance jump.

The ferret's posture may become rigid with wide open jaws, momentary eye contact followed by thrashing or turning of the head from side to side, arching the back, piloerection, and hopping to the side or backwards while facing the intended playmate. This is often accompanied by an excited panting sound that may sound like a hiss. Often, this behavior will break into a game of chase, pounce and wrestle. Ferrets in war dances are very accident prone, often hopping into obstacles or tripping over their own feet.^[19][20][21] Image File history File links No higher resolution available. ... Image File history File links No higher resolution available. ... The weasel war dance is a colloquial term for a behavior of excited ferrets. ... Goose bumps (AE), also called goose pimples, goose flesh (BE), chicken skin (Hawaiian Pidgin), or cutis anserina, are the bumps on a persons skin at the base of body hairs, which involuntarily develop when a person is cold, afraid, or experiences other strong emotions. ...

Ferrets tend to nip as kits. Nipping is the act of biting in a playful manner representative of mock fighting and sparring; young ferrets are also more prone to chewing and teething, and have a tendency to bite harder. Older ferrets tend to chew far less frequently and, when trained correctly, almost never nip a human hand or only do so very gently. However, ferrets that have been abused or are in extreme pain may bite a human, and are capable of strong bites which break through the skin.

Ferrets, like cats, can use a litter box with training, but they are not always completely litter box trainable. Their instinct is to spread their waste in order to scent mark a wider foraging territory for themselves; thus, multiple litter boxes may be necessary, and all litter areas should be changed frequently.

A common ferret problem to many pet owners is introducing new ferrets to their population. Senior ferrets may seem excessively violent to unknown ferrets in their home, but adding another ferret to ones population to decrease boredom or for breeding will greatly encourage the morale of the ferret or ferret population one owns. Males and females will exhibit much stronger territorial urges when confronted with a new ferret, and will often treat the new ferret like a toy. After a fighting period which should be monitored but only rarely results in harm to a ferret, the older ferret will show its dominance, often by dragging the junior ferret around by the scruff of the neck to its hoard and leaving it like any other object it values. Given time and careful monitoring, new ferrets will almost always be accepted by the older ferret or group. Young ferrets can actually benefit from having an older house trained ferret around when being taught to use a litter box, take baths, or have their nails clipped.

Diet

Ferrets are obligate carnivores and the natural diet of their wild ancestors consisted of whole small prey, i.e., meat, organs, bones, skin, feathers, and fur. Some ferret owners feed a meat-based diet consisting of whole prey like mice and rabbits along with raw meat like chicken, beef, veal, kangaroo and wallaby. This is preferred in Europe and Australia, and becoming increasingly popular in the United States due to concern over high carbohydrate levels in some processed ferret foods.^[22] Carnivorism redirects here. ... Carbohydrates (literally hydrates of carbon) are chemical compounds that act as the primary biological means of storing or consuming energy, other forms being fat and protein. ...

Alternatively, there are many commercial ferret food products. Some kitten foods can also be used, so long as they provide the high protein and fat content required by the ferret's metabolism. Most adult cat foods and kitten foods are unsuitable for ferrets however, because of their low protein content and high fiber. Ideally, a ferret food should contain a minimum of 32% meat based protein and 18% fat.^[23] Low-quality pet foods often contain grain-based proteins, which ferrets cannot properly digest. A representation of the 3D structure of myoglobin showing coloured alpha helices. ... For other uses, see FAT. Fats consist of a wide group of compounds that are generally soluble in organic solvents and largely insoluble in water. ... Structure of the coenzyme adenosine triphosphate, a central intermediate in energy metabolism. ... Dietary fibers are the indigestible portion of plant foods that move food through the digestive system and absorb water. ...

Ferrets may have a fondness for sweets like raisins, bananas, peanut butter, and pieces of cereal. The high sugar content of such treats has been linked to ferret insulinoma and other diseases. Veterinarians recommend not feeding raisins and the like to ferrets at all. Also, like many other carnivores, ferrets gradually lose the ability to digest lactose after they are weaned. As a result, lactose-free milk is to be preferred. This article does not cite any references or sources. ... An insulinoma is a tumour of the pancreas derived from the beta cells which while retaining the ability to synthesize and secrete insulin is autonomous of the normal feedback mechanisms. ...

Many ferrets are sold very young. Sometimes a ferret will be sold too young; after consultation with a veterinarian, it should be fed a mix of crushed or soft food mixed with milk slightly warmed, until the veterinarian advises otherwise.

Dangers to ferrets

Ferret curiosity often exceeds common sense and ferrets are good at getting into holes in walls, doors, cupboards, or in or behind household appliances such as clothes dryers and dishwashers, where they can be injured or killed by drowning, electrical wiring, fans, and other household items. Many enjoy chewing items made of soft rubber, foam, or sponge, which present the risk of intestinal blockage and death if ingested. Serious and sometimes fatal injuries have resulted from ferrets chewing on electrical cords. Screen doors can be damaged by a ferret's claws, and dryer vents often become escape routes to the outdoors. This does not cite any references or sources. ... For other uses, see Polystyrene (disambiguation). ... An electric clothes dryer A clothes dryer or tumble dryer is a household appliance that is used to remove the residual moisture from a load of clothing and other textiles, generally shortly after they are cleaned in a washing machine. ...

Ferret crawling under recliner

Unlike dogs and cats, many ferrets display little homing instinct and do not thrive as strays. Ferret owners frequently train ferrets at a young age to respond to clicker toys, or to the sound of their own food being shaken, as a means of recovering a ferret which has ventured too far from its home. In all cases, the escape of a ferret should be addressed immediately, as wandering ferrets may be easily injured or killed by neighborhood animals, local wildlife, or passing vehicles. Image File history File links Metadata No higher resolution available. ... Image File history File links Metadata No higher resolution available. ...

Recliners and fold-out sofas are a leading cause of accidental death in ferrets.^[24] Ferrets will often climb inside the springs and can be injured or killed once the chair is put into a reclined position.

For these reasons, owners usually "ferret-proof" their home, the task of carefully going through each room, removing items dangerous to ferrets and covering over any holes or potential escape routes. As ferrets can open improperly latched cupboards or doors by rolling over and clawing at the bottom edge, childproof latches are often used and owners keep cleaning products in high, out-of-reach places. However, ferrets can typically fit through any hole as small as the size of their head, making some childproof latches ineffective.

Some owners may prefer to house their pets outdoors in sheds, and not indoors. This is becoming more popular, due to speculation on the possible effects of the photoperiod effect on the ferret adrenal gland.^[25] Photoperiodism is the physiological reaction of organisms to the length of day or night. ...

Ferret "gardening" a plant

When a ferret is outdoors, an owner must take additional care during mosquito and tick season, as ferrets are susceptible to the diseases carried by these parasites. Ticks can attach themselves and begin to draw blood. When the tick gets full, it regurgitates some blood and tick saliva back into the ferret, which is how Lyme and other diseases can be transmitted. Ordinarily, the regurgitation happens between five to 24 hours after the tick attaches. Early removal of ticks using proper methods to avoid tick regurgitation, and prevention when in environments where encountering ticks is essential. Additionally, mosquitoes may carry heart worms and the West Nile virus. Fleas can cause extreme skin irritation and can be intermediate hosts for tapeworms, one of which may kill a ferret because of their small size. Similarly, the venom of a bee, wasp or spider is much more serious for a ferret than for a larger mammal, and ferrets can be regarded as prey by hawks, and by large snakes. Image File history File linksMetadata Size of this preview: 800 × 533 pixels Full resolution (1500 × 1000 pixel, file size: 226 KB, MIME type: image/jpeg) File links The following pages on the English Wikipedia link to this file (pages on other projects are not listed): Ferret Metadata This file contains... Image File history File linksMetadata Size of this preview: 800 × 533 pixels Full resolution (1500 × 1000 pixel, file size: 226 KB, MIME type: image/jpeg) File links The following pages on the English Wikipedia link to this file (pages on other projects are not listed): Ferret Metadata This file contains... For other uses, see Mosquito (disambiguation). ... Families Ixodidae - Hard ticks Argasidae - Soft ticks Nuttalliellidae - ????? ticks Wikispecies has information related to: Ixodoidea Tick is the common name for the small arachnids that, along with other mites, constitute the order Acarina. ... Lyme disease, or borreliosis, is an emerging infectious disease caused by at least three species of bacteria from the genus Borrelia. ...

Ferrets are fearless to the point of foolishness and should not be allowed to wander. Whenever they are outside, they should be closely supervised and preferably kept on a harness leash designed for ferrets such as an H-shaped harness. Their curious nature also leads them to place themselves in situations where they will confront and try to play with larger animals outdoors that may be dangerous to the ferret.

Ferret at play

Ferrets have been known to play well with household cats and some non-aggressive dogs, however, great care must be taken when introducing ferrets to any other household pets. Certain terrier dog breeds even have a heightened instinct to grab and kill ferrets. Many breeders these days prefer to raise their young kits with prey animal (baby & adult mouse, chicken, hamster, rats etc) instead of giving dry food. Therefore, ferrets may attack and kill pets like rodents, birds, and small reptiles, which may have been the prey of their wild ancestors. For other uses, see Terrier (disambiguation). ...

Ferrets and children

Ferrets can make good pets for some children, but usually do not make good pets for very young children. Important considerations include assessing potential danger to a human child by a pet ferret, and potential danger to a pet ferret by a human child, either deliberately or by neglect.

Ferrets are capable of delivering a bite almost as strong as a domestic cat. Like all other domesticated animals, they should never be left unsupervised near infants or very young children. There have been rare cases where ferrets have severely injured babies but nearly all such incidents involved neglect, abuse, or roughhousing that the ferret likely perceived as an attack, and some of the animals involved were ferret-polecat hybrid crosses.^[26] Given that young children and ferrets can be both excitable and prone to rough play, interaction between ferrets and children must always be closely supervised for the protection of both.

Boy with ferrets

With regard to the danger of potential pet ferret attacks as contrasted to attacks from other pet species, statistics would imply that the danger is probably overstated. In the United States, a government study by the California Department of Health Services on national pet attack statistics found 452 reported incidents of ferret bites during the ten year period 1978-1987.^[27][28] By comparison, pet dogs accounted for an estimated 585,000 injuries that required medical attention in the year 1986 alone,^[29] with the total number of pet dogs in the United States in 1996 estimated at 55,000,000^[30] and the total number of pet ferrets in the United States in 1996 estimated at 800,000.^[31] Adjusting for the proportionate ratio of dogs to ferrets in the United States of 68 to 1, dog bites occurred 190 times more often than ferret bites. Image File history File links Photo of a young boy holding two ferrets! The image at the top of this page is licensed under the GNU LGPL. This library is free software; you can redistribute it and/or modify it under the terms of the GNU Lesser General Public License... Image File history File links Photo of a young boy holding two ferrets! The image at the top of this page is licensed under the GNU LGPL. This library is free software; you can redistribute it and/or modify it under the terms of the GNU Lesser General Public License...

As the possible danger to a human child by a pet ferret must be assessed, the possible danger to a pet ferret by a human child should also be considered in determining whether or not a ferret will make a good pet for a child. Younger children may play too rough with a ferret, or fail to anticipate the physical danger to a ferret from things like closing doors, heavy objects, or accidentally stepping on the animal during play, all of which may lead to severe injury, and often the need for surgery, for the ferret involved. Repeated rough play may psychologically and physically stress the ferret and increases the likelihood of a provocation and a defensive response or bite from the animal. Additionally, as with any pet, young children may fail to appreciate the responsibilities of care and maintenance of their ferret, including attention to proper food and water supply, cage and litter maintenance, grooming, and the need for daily activity and attention when the ferret is alert and active. If a parent or responsible party is not present and willing to step in and fulfill these needs, a ferret is likely a poor choice of pet for a child, due to the problem of neglect.

For children who demonstrate responsible behavior, in regard to both playing with their pet and to consistent care and maintenance, ferrets can make good pets and are often loved by children for their social personalities and engaging antics.

Other uses of ferrets

Ferrets have been used to run wires and cables through large conduits. Event organizers in London used ferrets to run TV and sound cables for both the wedding of Charles, Prince of Wales to Lady Diana Spencer, and for the "Party in the Park" concert held in Greenwich Park on Millennium Eve.^[32] One ferret, Freddie, was even registered as an electrician's assistant with the New Zealand Electrical Workers Union.^[33] This article is about the capital of England and the United Kingdom. ... “Prince Charles” redirects here. ... Diana Spencer redirects here. ... Party in the Park is the generic name given to popular music concerts organised by Capital Radio Group in the UK, typically in various large parks during the summer. ... One of the Royal Parks of London, Greenwich Park is a former deer-park in Greenwich and one of the largest single green spaces in south east London. ... A millennium (pl. ...

Because they share many anatomical and physiological features with humans, ferrets are extensively used as experimental subjects in biomedical research, in fields such as virology, reproductive physiology, anatomy, endocrinology and neuroscience. Enos the space chimp before insertion into the Mercury-Atlas 5 capsule in 1961. ...

Ferrets' role in prescription medication disposal

SAMHSA spokesman Mark Weber listed ferret waste as an alternative to using coffee grinds for the safe disposal of prescription medicine. This method has dual purpose: to keep prescription medications from being abused, and to minimize the effect on fish and amphibians from medications flushed down the toilet.^[34] Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) is the US Federal agency charged with improving the quality and availability of prevention, treatment, and rehabilitative services in order to reduce illness, death, disability, and cost to society resulting from substance abuse and mental illnesses. ...

Ferret biology and health concerns

Ferret after a shower

Ferrets do not require frequent bathing, which may remove natural oils in the ferrets coat that prevent dry skin. However, most ferrets are not averse to water. Ferrets also need their nails clipped on a regular basis, and usually shed twice a year in the spring and fall. A laxative is sometimes administered, to help any ingested fur pass more easily through the digestive tract. Image File history File linksMetadata Download high-resolution version (2100x2000, 1087 KB) File links The following pages on the English Wikipedia link to this file (pages on other projects are not listed): Ferret Metadata This file contains additional information, probably added from the digital camera or scanner used to create... Image File history File linksMetadata Download high-resolution version (2100x2000, 1087 KB) File links The following pages on the English Wikipedia link to this file (pages on other projects are not listed): Ferret Metadata This file contains additional information, probably added from the digital camera or scanner used to create...

Ferret bedding should be washed or changed regularly, and the litter box cleaned frequently, which significantly lessens any unpleasant odors. Due to their low carriage and their sensitive mucous membranes, ferrets are extremely sensitive to dust in their environment and many cat litters may be unsuitable for them. Also, a clumping cat litter may be ingested and cause blockages. A litter made from recycled paper material or organic material (e.g. corn or wheat) is preferred.

Most veterinarians recommend an annual health checkup. Ferrets often hide symptoms of illness very well, so any unusual behavior is considered good cause for a medical consultation. As ferrets have high metabolisms and cancers can progress at a fast rate, early detection is critical for successful treatment.

Like many other carnivores, ferrets have scent glands near their anuses, the secretions from which are used in scent marking. It has been reported that ferrets can recognize individuals from these anal gland secretions, as well as the sex of unfamiliar individuals.^[35] Ferrets may also use urine marking for sex and individual recognitions.^[36] Scent marking can take two forms, the first the scent used to indicate territory, the second a scent that is released when the ferret is either happy or scared. ...

A ferret wrapped in a blanket.

Like skunks, ferrets can release their anal gland secretions when startled or scared, but the smell dissipates rapidly. Most pet ferrets in the US are sold de-scented, with their anal glands removed. In the UK, many consider de-scenting an unnecessary mutilation. In Australia and the UK, the general opinion is that the animal does not need to be de-scented. The Netherlands and other parts of Europe consider this practice to be animal abuse. Image File history File linksMetadata Size of this preview: 800 × 600 pixelsFull resolution (2272 × 1704 pixel, file size: 1. ... Image File history File linksMetadata Size of this preview: 800 × 600 pixelsFull resolution (2272 × 1704 pixel, file size: 1. ... For other uses, see Blanket (disambiguation). ...

Males, if not neutered, are extremely musky. It is considered preferable to delay neutering until sexual maturity has been reached, at approximately 6-8 months old, after the full descent of the testicles. Neutering the male will reduce the smell to almost nothing. The same applies for females, but spaying them is also important for their own health. Unless they are going to be used for breeding purposes, female ferrets will go into extended heat and an unbred female without medical intervention can die of aplastic anemia. Selective breeding in domesticated animals is the process of developing a cultivated breed over time. ... The estrous cycle (also oestrous cycle; originally derived from Latin oestrus) comprises the recurring physiologic changes that are induced by reproductive hormones in most mammalian placental females. ... Aplastic anemia is a condition where bone marrow does not produce sufficient new cells to replenish blood cells. ...

Many domestic ferrets are known to suffer from several distinct health problems. Among the most common are cancers affecting the adrenal glands, pancreas, and lymphatic system. Some health problems have been linked to ferrets being neutered before sexual maturity was reached, because of this some owners now choose to use implants instead of having the ferret neutered too early. Some owners even choose not to have their ferret neutered at all but use longer working implants instead. Certain colors of ferret may also carry a genetic defect known as Waardenburg syndrome . In mammals, the adrenal glands are the triangle-shaped endocrine glands that sit atop the kidneys. ... The pancreas is a gland organ in the digestive and endocrine systems of vertebrates. ... Lymphoma in animals is a type of cancer defined by a proliferation of malignant lymphocytes within solid organs such as the lymph nodes, bone marrow, liver and spleen. ... Waardenburg syndrome is a rare genetic disorder most often characterized by varying degrees of deafness, minor defects in structures arising from the neural crest, and pigmentation anomalies. ...

Many of the diseases present in ferrets can cause severe weight loss, which, due to their size, can be an even more extreme problem than in some other animals. Ferrets suffering from extreme weight loss or with sensitive digestive tracts are often recommended to be fed a mixture called "duck soup." This usually contains a high-fat, high-protein, low-fiber mixture of a whole chicken (innards and all), fat drippings, Nutrical, Ferretone, high-grade kitten food, and several other ingredients, variant on recipe. "Duck soup" helps ensure that a ferret keeps his or her weight up and is easy on the intestines.

Dehydrated ferrets may also be given Pedialyte.

Adrenal disease

Adrenal disease, a growth of the adrenal glands that can be either hyperplasia or cancer, is most often diagnosed by signs like unusual hair loss, increased aggression, difficulty urinating or defecating, or agitation when urinating, and (in the case of females) an enlarged vulva. Even if the growth is benign, it can still cause a hormonal imbalance which can have devastating effects on the ferret's health. Hyperplasia (or hypergenesis) is a general term referring to the proliferation of cells within an organ or tissue beyond that which is ordinarily seen in e. ...

Treatment options include surgery to excise the affected glands, melatonin implants, which treat the symptoms but not the disease itself, and/or hormone therapy. The causes of adrenal disease are as yet uncertain, but speculated triggers include unnatural light cycles, diets based around processed ferret foods, and prepuberty neutering. It has also been suggested that there may be a hereditary component to adrenal disease.^[37] Melatonin, 5-methoxy-N-acetyltryptamine, is a hormone found in all living creatures from algae[1] to humans, at levels that vary in a diurnal cycle. ...

Adrenal disease is usually detected during the spring or fall. This is because adrenal disease affects the hormones that make the fur grow, so when ferrets with adrenal disease shed their winter coat they simply don't grow it back because of the disease. The hair loss pattern is usually very specific for adrenal disease: It begins at the base of the tail and then continues up the ferret's back. Ferrets who have been treated for adrenal disease may also suffer temporary but severe hair loss as their bodies recover.

Insulinoma

Ferrets are also known to suffer from insulinoma, a cancer of the pancreas. The growth of cancerous nodules on the lobes of the pancreas sometimes, but not always, leads to an increase in the production of insulin, which regulates the rate at which the ferret's body metabolizes blood glucose. Too much insulin will cause blood sugar to drop, resulting in lethargy, seizures, and ultimately death. Symptoms of an insulinoma attack include episodes of lethargy, drooling, pawing and/or foaming at the mouth, high pitched screams, staring "blankly" into space, and seizures. An insulinoma is a tumour of the pancreas derived from the beta cells which while retaining the ability to synthesize and secrete insulin is autonomous of the normal feedback mechanisms. ... Not to be confused with inulin. ... Glucose (Glc), a monosaccharide (or simple sugar), is an important carbohydrate in biology. ...

Like adrenal cancer, the exact cause of insulinoma is unknown. It is speculated that the diets of domestic ferrets are too far removed from the natural diets of their polecat ancestors, and include too much sugar or simple carbohydrates.

Treatment for insulinoma may include surgical excision of the cancerous lobes, pharmaceutical treatment with steroids that suppress the production of insulin, supplemental changes in diet (most often poultry-based baby food), or a combination thereof. Unfortunately, the growth of the tumors cannot be completely stopped, and the ferret will eventually suffer a recurrence of symptoms. In an insulinoma attack, a temporary remedy to stabilize the ferret is any kind of a sugary syrup, such as corn syrup or honey.

Lymphoma

Lymphoma/lymphosarcoma is the most common malignancy in ferrets. Ferret lymphosarcoma occurs in two forms -- juvenile lymphosarcoma, a fast-growing type that affects ferrets younger than two years, and adult lymphosarcoma, a slower growing form that affects ferrets four to seven years old. Lymphoma in animals is a type of cancer defined by a proliferation of malignant lymphocytes within solid organs such as the lymph nodes, bone marrow, liver and spleen. ... When normal cells are damaged or old they undergo apoptosis; cancer cells, however, avoid apoptosis. ...

In juvenile ferret lymphosarcoma, large, immature lymphocytes (lymphoblasts) rapidly invade the thymus and/or the organs of the abdominal cavity, particularly the liver and spleen. In adult ferret lymphosarcoma, the lymph nodes in the limbs and abdominal cavity become swollen early on due to invasion by small, mature lymphocytes. Invasion of organs, such as the liver, kidney, lungs, and spleen, occurs later on, and the disease may be far advanced before symptoms are noticeable. A lymphocyte is a type of white blood cell involved in the human bodys immune system. ... Thymus, see Thyme. ... The liver is the largest internal organ in the human body, and is an organ present in vertebrates and some other animals. ... The spleen is an organ located in the abdomen, where it functions in the destruction of old red blood cells and holding a reservoir of blood. ...

As in humans, ferret lymphosarcoma can be treated surgically, with radiation therapy, chemotherapy or a combination thereof. The long-term prognosis is rarely bright, however, and this treatment is intended to improve quality of life with the disease.

Viral diseases

Epizootic catarrhal enteritis (ECE)

ECE, a viral disease that first appeared in the northeastern US in 1994, is an inflammation of the mucous membranes in the intestine. The disease manifests itself as severe diarrhea (often of a bright green color), loss of appetite, and severe weight loss. The virus can be passed via fluids and indirectly between humans. Although it was often fatal when first discovered, ECE is less of a threat nowadays with the right supportive care which usually includes hospitalization with intravenous fluids. The virus is especially threatening to older ferrets and requires immediate attention.

Aleutian disease virus (ADV)

Aleutian Disease Virus (ADV) is a parvovirus discovered among mink in the Aleutian Islands in the early 20th century. In ferrets, the virus affects the immune system (causing it to produce non-neutralizing antibodies) and many internal organs, particularly the kidneys. There is no cure or vaccine for the disease, and ferrets may carry the virus for months or years without any external symptoms. As a result, some ferret organizations and shelters recommend that owners test their pets for the virus regularly, separating them from other ferrets if they test positive. Species Canine minute virus Canine parvovirus Chicken parvovirus Feline panleukopenia virus Feline parvovirus HB virus H-1 virus Kilham rat virus Lapine parvovirus LUIII virus Mice minute virus Mink enteritis virus Mouse parvovirus 1 Porcine parvovirus Raccoon parvovirus RT parvovirus Tumor virus X Parvovirus, commonly called parvo, is a genus... For other uses, see Mink (disambiguation). ... Aleutians seen from space The Aleutian Islands (possibly from Chukchi aliat, island) are a chain of more than 300 small volcanic islands forming an island arc in the Northern Pacific Ocean, occupying an area of 6,821 sq mi (17,666 km²) and extending about 1,200 mi (1,900... Each antibody binds to a specific antigen; an interaction similar to a lock and key. ... The kidneys are the organs that filter wastes (such as urea) from the blood and excrete them, along with water, as urine. ...

Canine distemper

Canine distemper (CD) is an extremely contagious virus that is almost always fatal. Being strict indoor pets does not necessarily protect ferrets, as owners may bring the virus home on their clothes or their shoes. The only protection against the virus is vaccination, but that is not without controversy as there have been reports, particularly from the USA, of ferrets going into anaphylactic shock after being vaccinated against CD. 11:06, 9 October 2007 (UTC)124. ... Anaphylaxis is a severe and rapid systemic allergic reaction to a trigger substance, called an allergen. ...

Influenza virus isolation using ferrets

Ferrets have served as a good experimental animal models in the study of influenza virus. Smith, Andrews, Laidlaw(1933)inoculated ferrets intra-nasally with human naso-pharyngeal washes, which produced a form of influenza that spread to other cage mates. The human influenza virus(Influenza type A) was transmitted from an infected ferret to a junior investigator , from whom it was subsequently re-isolated.

Waardenburg-like coloring

Ferrets with a white stripe on their face or a fully white head, primarily blazes, badgers, and pandas, almost certainly carry a congenital defect which shares some similarities to Waardenburg syndrome. This causes, among other things, a cranial deformation in the womb which broadens the skull, causing the white face markings but also partial or total deafness. It is estimated as many as 75% of ferrets with these Waardenburg-like colorings are deaf. Beyond that, the cranial deformation also causes a higher instance of stillborn ferret kits, and occasionally cleft palates. Because of this, many breeders will not breed Waardenburg-patterned ferrets. Waardenburg syndrome is a rare genetic disorder most often characterized by varying degrees of deafness, minor defects in structures arising from the neural crest, and pigmentation anomalies. ... This article or section is in need of attention from an expert on the subject. ... Cleft palate is a condition in which the two plates of the skull that form the hard palate (roof of the mouth) are not completely joined. ...

Terminology and coloring

A sable ferret, the most common color variation^[38]

A cinnamon "sprite" ferret

Male intact ferrets are called hobs; female intact ferrets are jills. A spayed female is a sprite, and a neutered male is a gib. Ferrets under one year old are known as kits. A group of ferrets is known as a business. ImageMetadata File history File links Download high resolution version (1024x768, 126 KB) Summary By Craig M. Groshek Licensing File history Legend: (cur) = this is the current file, (del) = delete this old version, (rev) = revert to this old version. ... ImageMetadata File history File links Download high resolution version (1024x768, 126 KB) Summary By Craig M. Groshek Licensing File history Legend: (cur) = this is the current file, (del) = delete this old version, (rev) = revert to this old version. ...

Ferrets come in a variety of coat colors and patterns. The ones recognized by the American Ferret Association are as follows:^[39]

White ferrets were favored in the Middle Ages for the ease in seeing them in thick undergrowth. Leonardo's painting Lady with an Ermine is likely mislabeled; the animal is probably a ferret, not a stoat, for which "ermine" is an alternative name (the latter strictly applying only to the animal in its white winter coat). Similarly, the Ermine portrait of Queen Elizabeth the First shows her with her pet ferret, who has been decorated with painted-on heraldic ermine spots. The Middle Ages formed the middle period in a traditional schematic division of European history into three ages: the classical civilization of Antiquity, the Middle Ages, and modern times, beginning with the Renaissance. ... “Da Vinci” redirects here. ... Lady with an Ermine, Czartoryski Museum, Kraków | title=Lady with an Ermine | artist=Leonardo da Vinci | year=1485 | type=oil on wood panel | height=54 | width=39 | museum=Czartoryski Museum]], Kraków}} The Lady with an Ermine is a 1485 painting by Leonardo da Vinci. ... Ermine redirects here. ... Heraldry in its most general sense encompasses all matters relating to the duties and responsibilities of officers of arms. ...

"The Ferreter's Tapestry" is a fifteenth-century tapestry from Burgundy, France now part of the Burrell Collection housed in the Glasgow Museum and Art Galleries. It shows a group of peasants hunting rabbits with nets and white ferrets.

"Pope Celestinus III Grants Privilege of Independence to the Spedale" painted by Domenico di Bartolo in 1443 shows a fashionable man with a colored pet ferret wearing a red collar on his shoulder. This image was reproduced in Renaissance Dress In Italy 1400-1500, by Jacqueline Herald, Bell & Hyman - ISBN 0-391-02362-4

Gaston Phoebus' Book Of The Hunt was written in approximately 1389 to explain how to hunt different kinds of animals, including how to use ferrets to hunt rabbits. Illustrations show how multicolored ferrets that are fitted with muzzles were used to chase rabbits out of their dens and into waiting nets.

Ferrets featured in literature and culture

• In the 1984 made-for-TV movie Caravan of Courage: An Ewok Adventure, the main character Cindel plays with Wicket's pet ferret in a scene shortly after their "star cruiser" crashed.
• The Greek playwright Aristophanes made reference to ferrets in his satire The Acharneans written around the year 425 BC. "What a happy man he’ll be that marries you and begets a set of Ferrets as good as you at farting in the Grey dawn!".
• The main character in the manga series Peach Fuzz is a ferret named Peach who has delusions of being a princess.
• The title character of the short story Sredni Vashtar by Edwardian satirist Saki is a "polecat-ferret" clandestinely kept by a young boy, who is liberated when the animal he worships as a god kills his overbearing guardian.
• The children's book Zucchini by Barbara Dana is about a boy and his pet ferret. However, the author gets a number of basic ferret facts wrong, claiming that they are vegetarian rodents.
• Former Doctor Who lead actor Sylvester McCoy got his acting start as Sylvester McCoy, the Human Bomb, a stage act that consisted of stuffing live ferrets down his trousers.^{[citation needed]}
• In the film The Big Lebowski, Lebowski is attacked in the bathroom by a "Marmot" which is really a ferret.
• In the film Kindergarten Cop, John Kimble (played by Arnold Schwarzenegger) owns a pet ferret, which becomes the mascot of his kindergarten class and saves his life by biting the main antagonist near the end of the film.
• In the film Starship Troopers, Colonel Carl Jenkins (played by Neil Patrick Harris) owns a pet ferret, which he mischievously tells (via Telepathy) to go and find a treat up his mother's leg.
• Richard Bach, author of Jonathan Livingston Seagull, has written five books starring ferrets, the Ferret Chronicles series.
• In the 2004 romantic comedy Along Came Polly, Jennifer Aniston's character, Polly, owns a blind ferret who often runs head-first into stationary objects, to great comic effect. The ferret is featured in the promotional material for the film.
• The film and TV series The Beastmaster has two ferrets, Kodo & Podo, which appear as major characters. The series' protagonist usually kept them in a small pouch attached to his belt.
• In the fourth Harry Potter book and film, Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, the character Draco Malfoy is turned into an albino ferret.
• The BBC children's television magazine program Xchange featured the puppet Vinnie, a mischievous ferret.
• HTV Wales has a long-running investigation series called The Ferret.
• Ferrets are the obvious suspects in the mystery novel "Nothing to Fear but Ferrets" by Linda O. Johnston.
• Budweiser (Anheuser-Busch) has used a fictitious ferret in a series of radio commercials.
• Bill Owen's character Compo in the BBC series Last of The Summer Wine (1973) had two ferrets which caused an uproar at a funeral in one episode.
• Japanese Media: Ferrets have appeared in the manga Ask the Stars for Help ( 困った時には星に聞け! ) by Miyuki Abe ( あべ 美幸 ) and in the anime series Nanoha ( なのは ) - "In a failed attempt to seal a seed properly, he winds up on Earth in the form of a ferret." The character Yūno Scrya has an animal form as a ferret.
• The popular webcomic, Sluggy Freelance has a main character named Kiki who is a ferret.
• A ferret called Fungo Squiggly is one of the supporting characters in the Get Fuzzy comic strip by Darby Conley.
• In Degrassi: The Next Generation Ellie Nash owns a ferret name Bueller for a short time until he dies due to chewing on electrical wires.
• In the Pokémon series, the pokemon called Furret is based on a ferret.
• There are numerous ferrets in the Redwall series by Brian Jacques.
• Paris Hilton once owned a ferret. She walked the red carpet with it many times, and was publicly scrutinized for taking the ferret, as well as several other animals, to social events.
• On Tucker Carlson Live, Rudy Giuliani tells a man who called in asking why he banned ferrets in New York City that "The excessive concern that you have for ferrets is a sickness that you should examine with a therapist."
• In the cartoon series The Littles, Dr. Hunter had a ferret which he often used to try to capture the Littles.
• In a commercial for Diet Mountain Dew, a ferret walks through the woods with a hockey mask and a chainsaw, chasing two teens.
• The character Bandit is a ferret on the webcomic The Whiteboard.
• The 1st Battalion, the Yorkshire Regiment of the British Armed Forces, keeps two ferrets, Imphal and