Ferret History: More Than Just a Weasel

The Domestication and History of Ferrets

The history of ferrets is rich and interesting, dating back roughly 2,500 years . These members of the weasel family, also known as Mustelidae, were first domesticated to hunt rabbits and rodents.

Origins and Domestication

While the exact origins of ferrets remain somewhat mysterious, the most probable theory suggests that they are descended from the European polecat There’s also a theory that the European polecat descends from a North African lineage. Although another theory posits that they are related to the black-footed ferret of North America, this is unlikely due to differing physical and genetic characteristics Around 500 BCE, evidence suggests humans began selectively breeding and raising polecats as domestic animals, which marks the beginning of the modern ferret.

The primary reason for ferret domestication was to control populations of rats, mice, and rabbits, which were considered pests that damaged crops Ferrets’ lithe bodies allowed them to pursue rodents into areas that cats and dogs couldn’t reach.

Ferrets Through the Ages

Mentions of ferret-like animals appear in Ancient Greece around 450 BC. By 200 AD, there are accounts of ferrets being used to control rabbit plagues in the Balearic Islands People would muzzle these wild ferret-like animals and send them into rabbit holes. The frightened rabbits would then run out, where people and dogs would capture them.

As time passed, their use spread as people realized they could be used for hunting and pest control in households Their popularity grew, and they became working animals for the lower and middle classes By the 1200s, ferrets had spread to Germany and England, where church officials kept them, and ownership was restricted to those with an annual income of at least 40 shillings The first documented albino ferret appeared in Europe in 1551 and was described as having a color similar to “the color of wool stained with urine”.

Ferrets Around the World

Ferrets’ usefulness led to their introduction to other parts of the world. They were transported on ships, where they replaced cats and dogs as rodent control Ferrets arrived in America in the 18th century and were used to hunt rats, rabbits, and raccoons Due to their popularity, “ferretmeisters” offered their services to farms with pest problems.

From Workers to Pets

In New Zealand, ferrets were introduced in the 1860s to control the rabbit population The climate suited them so well that they formed a wild colony While they controlled rabbits, they also contributed to the decline and extinction of native bird species A similar situation occurred in Australia, but ferrets did not establish wild colonies due to the climate and predators.

As chemical repellents became more common, the need for ferrets as pest control diminished However, their unique physical characteristics led to new roles, such as transporting cables through long pipes for telephone companies and covering television events Ferrets were even used by oilmen in the North Sea There was also the odd pub activity known as ferret legging, where competitors would put ferrets down their pants and see who could last the longest Additionally, ferrets were used for fur production for some time, especially in Europe

Intentional breeding became more common in the 19th century as enthusiasts selectively paired them to enhance desirable traits, marking the beginning of distinct ferret breeds Today, ferrets are popular pets. Choosing breeding ferrets with good health and temperament is essential for producing healthy offspring.

From pest controllers to cable transporters and beloved pets, ferrets have had a long and varied history alongside humans.