Ferret
Description
Domestic ferrets are thought to be descended from European or Steppe polecats bred in captivity since the time of the Roman Empire. Ferrets compensate for their fairly poor sense of sight with excellent senses of hearing and smell. They are carnivores and have a slight musky odor.
Scientific Name
Mustela furo or M. putorius furo
Country Of Origin
Europe or Asia
Size
13 to 20 inches in length, 1.5 to 3 pounds in weight (males are usually larger than females)
Life Expectancy
5 to 7 years
Varieties
According to the American Ferret Association, there are seven colors of ferrets (albino, black, black sable, champagne, chocolate, dark-eyed white, sable) and six patterns (point, standard, solid, blaze, panda, roan).
Color
According to the American Ferret Association, there are seven colors of ferrets (albino, black, black sable, champagne, chocolate, dark-eyed white, sable) and six patterns (point, standard, solid, blaze, panda, roan).