Sarcoptic mange mites are usually very difficult to find and diagnosis is often made based on symptoms. Usually, the animal is EXTREMELY itchy, often causing raw sores and wounds from scratching. These mites are found all over the animal, not only in the ears. The ear mite is very similar to the sarcoptic mange mite, especially to the untrained eye. It is very possible since the mite was found in the ear that the ferret has ear mites. Ear mites are common and easily treated by your vet. Ear mites cause a thick dark brown to black exudate to form in the ear. the gunk consists of ear wax and mite feces (yuck). Mites should be eliminated as soon as possible to prevent damage to the ears and to prevent the spread to other ferrets in the household. Either way, I would have the vet check things out. Good luck and let us know what you find out. Erica Snoball, the dog Ripley, Max, and Jinx, the kitties Fitz, Buster, and introducing Milos, the ferrets... and baby Honey (ferret) waiting at the Rainbow Bridge Also at the bridge: Purr-Furr (kitty) Nerd, Nubbins, and Dusty (dogs) and Farli (ferret) All of whom are much loved and deeply missed! [Posted in FML issue 3625]