Distribution
The natural range of the wild ferret is Western Europe as far east as the Ural Mountains in west central Russia.
Introduced populations occur in many places in Europe. These have resulted from the deliberate release of wild ferrets to areas outside their natural range and the escape or release of pet ferrets. Feral populations occur in Russia, Sardinia, Sicily, Morocco and Britain, as well as on the islands of Mull, Hebrides, Arran and Bute (off the coast of Scotland), the Isle of Mann (Irish Sea) and the Isle of Anglesey (off the coast of North Wales).
The ferret was purposely introduced to Australia and New Zealand in the late 1880s. It is now a widespread, established pest in New Zealand, but it has so far apparently failed to establish permanent populations in Australia. However, reports of ferrets living in the wild occur from time to time in southern Australia, mainly in Western Australia and Tasmania.
Habitat
The ferret lives in open forests, grasslands and bushland. Modified habitats are also used including areas near human settlements and on agricultural land. It can also live in coastal areas (such as sea cliffs and sand dunes), around rubbish tips and along river banks.
Reproduction, food and behaviour
The ferret breeds once a year. Litters can contain up to 12 young but three to seven is more usual. Young ferrets (called kits) become independent when about three months old. Den sites are located under cover in crevices, hollow logs and burrows of other animals, especially rabbits. In New Zealand, dens have been found in outlying farm buildings.
The ferret is a carnivore that preys on small mammals such as rabbits, rats, mice and possums. It will hunt for birds, particularly those that nest on the ground or in burrows like some seabirds and flightless birds. It preys on reptiles, frogs and invertebrates. Eggs and carrion are also readily consumed.
Although the wild ferret is a nocturnal animal, it can occasionally be seen during the day. When it runs it arches its back and looks very supple or sinuous in appearance, but it walks with a straight body, sniffing the ground repeatedly for scent.
Male and female ferrets have separate home ranges that overlap. When food is scarce, home range sizes increase. Though usually solitary, pairs are sometimes seen foraging together and sharing dens.
In the wild ferrets live for about four to six years, but in captivity they can live up to 14 years.