I just wanted to add a note to the conversation about "feral ferrets".
There has been no evidence that ferrets go feral in the states. Black
Footed ferrets, who can and do live in the wild, are very distantly
related to domestic ferrets. Ferrets were "created" on another
continent with different mustelids. Like Big Foot, it's one of those
things some people swear exists despite hundreds of years of searching
and never finding one.

Now are there feral ferrets in other parts of the world? I know for
certain that they do exist in at least one place and possibly one
other: New Zealand and Australia. Yet, despite the fact that there
are areas in the states that have nearly similar climates ... it just
doesn't happen here. Most of the time, not all, ferrets perish rather
quickly outside despite the mild climate and the available food (prey).
I don't know why, I'm not an expert, perhaps better educated people
such as Bob Church can tell you ... I haven't had time to read his
articles about the subject. So please forgive my ignorance... I will
read his writings when I can (as I always read his valuable articles).

I want readers to know and understand one VERY important thing here.
Many ferrets in New Zealand and Australia have some wild polecat blood
in them. Hybrids are bred there and people often prefer at least a
"little" polecat blood in their ferrets. There are trace among in some
lines with out some owners being aware of it. This is a huge difference
from our American ferrets.

Even Aussie and NZ bred ferrets with no polecat blood in them are
physically different from our own animals. They are double the size,
neutered later, are far more muscular, and are fed and imprinted on
a much more natural diet.

Just some things to keep in mind ...

Wolfy

[Posted in FML 7027]