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Ferret, small mammal belonging to the weasel family, having a long, slim body with short legs. The two kinds of ferrets are the domestic ferret and the black-footed ferret. When frightened, both types discharge a strong-smelling secretion from scent glands under the tail.

Domestic ferrets are kept as pets or used for hunting rabbits and rats. Owners usually have the scent glands removed in order to alleviate the animals' strong musky smell. Generally, male ferrets are 40 to 65 cm (16 to 26 in) long, including the tail, and weigh 0.40 to 1.71 kg (0.88 to 3.77 lb). The colour of the domestic ferret varies, with the most common being yellowish-white with dark hair tips and a black mask, tail, and feet. Some ferrets have completely brown, almost black, coats.

The black-footed ferret has a dull yellow coat with brown fur on the head and down the middle of the back. It has a black mask and black fur on the feet, legs, and end of the tail. Males average 50 to 65 cm (20 to 26 in) in length, including the tail, and weigh around 0.96 to 1.71 kg (2.1 to 3.77 lb). Females are slightly smaller than the males. Black-footed ferrets are found in the prairies of North America. However, due to the drastically reduced number of prairie dogs, its main food source, the black-footed ferret has become an endangered species.

Scientific classification: Ferrets belong to the family Mustelidae. The domestic ferret is classified as Mustela putorius furo. The black-footed ferret is classified as Mustela nigripes.

Information on Ferrets maintained to ensure continuation of our link from Todd's Super Ferret Page.

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