Ferrets – Where Are They From?
Ferrets are currently one of the most popular pets around the world. But where do they come from and how did they become domesticated?
Origin of the Ferret
The modern-day domesticated ferret is descended from the European polecat. This species is native to Europe, North Africa and Asia Minor, with the exact range depending on the subspecies.
Domestication
It is thought that domestication of the ferret began more than 2000 years ago. They were first used to hunt small prey such as rabbits and rats, and their intelligence and trainability helped to make them valuable partners to humans.
Uses of the Ferret
Ferrets have been used for a variety of purposes over the years, including:
- Rabbit Hunting – Ferrets have long been used by hunters to drive rabbits out of their burrows and into nets or snares.
- Rodent Control – Ferrets are used to help control rodent populations in homes, farms and factories.
- Law Enforcement – Ferrets have been used by law enforcement to search for contraband in small spaces that would otherwise be difficult to search.
- Medical Research – Ferrets are used to study the spread of infectious diseases.
- Pets – Ferrets make intelligent and playful pets, and they have become popular around the world as a result.
Conclusion
Ferrets have a long history of domestication, and they have been used for a variety of purposes over the years. Today they are mostly kept as pets, and they have become popular all around the world.