Feral ferret
Mustela furo
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Mustela furo
Habitat:
Description:
Origin and Distribution:
Impacts:
How did it get here?
Is it found in Northern Ireland?
You can help by reporting any sightings: @ the Centre for Environmental Data & Recording (CEDaR) - Or via the iRecord App.
Prevent Spread
Mustela furo
Habitat:
- The native habitat of Mustela furo (ferrets) is forested and semi-forested areas near water sources. In Europe they are found in dune systems with large rabbit populations. Den sites can be found in gorse, dense scrub, rabbit holes, buildings, rubbish piles, and hay barns.
Description:
- Mustela furo are the domesticated form of the European polecat (Mustela putorius). Both species are not indigenous to Ireland
- Ferrets follow the typical body form of the mustelidae family in that they have an elongated slender body
- The colouration of the domestic ferret can vary considerably with season and between individuals
- Albino/white, brown and grey/dark (wild European polecat colours) forms are known
- The wild polecat type is seen more commonly in populations that have been wild for several generations
- The face is often decorated with a dark mask in the form of cheek patches and bands
Origin and Distribution:
- They have been introduced to control rabbits and rodents in Britain and other parts of the world
- They were also introduced to New Zealand and Britain for fur farms where they have escaped and formed wild populations
- Ferrets are increasingly becoming a household pet and in some instances have escaped or were deliberately released
Impacts:
- This species can have a detrimental effect on bird populations especially on off shore islands
- It is also feared that ferrets can have a high impact on the breeding success of rarer bird species such as corncrake
How did it get here?
- The exact date of introduction is not known. It is believed that ferrets may have originally been brought to Ireland to help control rabbit numbers
- It is also possible that the populations around the border counties are escapees from fur farms
- Ferrets are also a popular pet species and their accidental escape from captivity cannot be ruled out
Is it found in Northern Ireland?
- It is found in Northern Ireland.
- More distribution information can be seen on NBN Atlas NI.
You can help by reporting any sightings: @ the Centre for Environmental Data & Recording (CEDaR) - Or via the iRecord App.
Prevent Spread
- Do not introduce ferrets to the wild as pest control
- Ensure that pets are well housed and secure
- Re-home unwanted pets responsibly
- Report all sightings