Where Do Ferrets Come From?

Ferrets are carnivores which are subdivided into the Mustilidae family; these also include Badgers and Weasels.

Their wild ancestors may have originated from European Polecats, Mustela putorius. (Mustela means weasel or mouse killer, putorius means stench and ferret means thief, so you have a mouse killing smelly thief.

Now you understand why your pet is stinky, pounces on everything and that you will always find your favourite belongings hiding in the corner.

Other candidates for being the ancestor could be the Black Footed Ferret, an extinct mustelid or a hybrid of any of these options.

Over many years some wild specimens were bred to become the captive ferret pets we know and love. Also ferrets have been used to poach and hunt rabbits, patrol on ships and catch rodents and carry tools through tunnels.