Sometimes we may wonder where a particulary rumor about ferrets may
originate, and why, in spite of efforts to contradict them, they keep
popping up.  Some of these may be tracked to poorly researched articles in
popular encyclopedias.  Others might be found in standard texts that are
well-used and widely distributed.
 
Such as: Fox, James G.  "Biology and diseases of the ferret", 1988 ed., the
standard text in many exotic and small animal vet practices.
 
Three statements in the first chapter of this book gave me pause:
 
-- that feral colonies of ferrets in New Zealand "reportedly played a role
in reducing the numbers of 20 endemic bird species." [cites King, C.:
Immigrant Killers, p. 224, Oxford University Press, 1985]
 
-- that a feral population of ferrets on San Juan Island in Washington
State shares the blame for the reduction of native mink populations [cites
Stevens, W.F.: Status of ferrets and other introduced animals on San Juan
Island, San Juan Environmental Studies Report, 10/15/79]
 
-- that "except in two states, Alaska and West Virginia, the ferret
historically has been categorized as a wild animal." [no cite] Massachusetts
would have at least made a third.  The Bay State's old ban on ferrets had to
do with their status as a WORKING animal.
 
Doubtless, these statements will be corrected, modified, or omitted in the
next edition of Biology and diseases, due out next year.  In the meantime,
if you're wondering why the issue of feral ferrets keeps rearing its head,
this may be why.
 
On the other hand, the general portrait painted of ferrets in this book is
rather positive and complimentary, especially in regards their hunting
prowess.
 
Just thought you'd like to know.
 
-- Lee
[log in to unmask]
[Posted in FML issue 1983]