A ferret is a small, furry creature with a cone-shaped nose, long tail and a long, pear-shaped body with short legs and long claws. Ferrets are related to wolverines, ermines, minks and weasels in the Mustela genus. They are popular, though often controversial, pets. The vast majority of ferrets are the domesticated variety.

Interesting Facts 01 A ferret’s lifespan lasts between 7 to 10 years. 02 Ferrets come in 20 different types according to coloration. 03 Ferrets weigh from 1.5 lbs to 4.4 lbs (0.7 to 2.0 kg). 04 Normally, ferrets sleep around 15 to 16 hours per day. 05 They’re more active at dawn or dusk. 01 Mustela putorius furo is the ferret’s scientific name.

Ferrets can be trained to do tricks like dogs. In their wild form, they are called fitchet, fitchew or fitch. Ancient Egyptians took these animals with them on sailing ships to hunt rodents, and as early as 63 BC ferrets were being used to help control rabbit populations on the Balearic Islands.