Ferret vs Marten: A Comparison
While Ferret and Marten have a few similarities, there are also many differences between them. Let’s examine the characteristics of both animals and discover their differences.
Physical Characteristics
Ferret
- About 13 to 18 inches long from nose to tail tip
- Pointed nose
- Close, compact body
- Long, scaled tail
Marten
- About 15 – 20 inches long
- Short, rounded nose
- Lean body with long legs
- Large, hefty tail
Diet
Ferret
- Omnivore that enjoys eating small mammals, birds, eggs, reptiles and insects
- Will often hunt and ambush its prey
Marten
- Carnivore that eats mostly small animals, including birds, rodents and fish
- Uses stalking and chasing to capture its prey
Behavior
Ferret
- Generally nocturnal
- Highly social
- Easily domesticated
- Known to be curious and playful
Marten
- Usually diurnal
- Mostly solitary
- Wild and untamable
- Generally shy and cautious
In summary, the main differences between a Ferret and a Marten are in their physical characteristics, diet, and behavior. Ferrets are smaller animals with a scaled tail and a pointed nose, while Martens are larger animals with a large hefty tail and a short, rounded nose. When it comes to diet, Ferrets are omnivores while Martens are carnivores. Finally, Ferrets are nocturnal, social and easily tamed, while Martens are diurnal, solitary and wild animals.