The history of one of our favorite domestic pets is still awhirl in controversy. Some points are generally agreed on, but much is shrouded in mystery.

References to ferrets, or at least closely related animals, go back many centuries. Though not identified exactly, an animal very similar to the ferret is mentioned in a play by Aristophanes and essays by Aristotle over 2,500 years ago. More certain are the many pieces of evidence to ferrets, both in writing and paintings, in the late Middle Ages. There are references in the 13th century to ferreters who were part of the 'staff' of the Royal Court in England.

Between 1200 AD and 1400 AD ferrets were a favorite pet of royalty. However, 'pet' has a slightly different meaning when applied to an animal many centuries past. Animals were expected to 'earn their keep' in times past. They were probably bred for that very purpose. With the growth of rabbit and mouse population, and the increase in grain stores and agriculture, an animal that would hunt down those who fed on them was helpful. Ferrets were very adept at sliding into burrows and flushing out rabbits. They could also easily chase a mouse into the path of waiting cats.

Because their tiny bones decay so thoroughly, it's hard to find fossil evidence to trace their exact history. The leading theory is they are descendants of Western European polecats. Scientists have numerous clues to work with as they attempt to verify the ferret's lineage.

They can examine general body characteristics (also known as 'morphology'), and compare them with other similar species. They can look at teeth and make educated guesses about their diet, which helps them narrow down their location more thouroughly. They can examine fat distribution within the body and compare it to their genetic cousins. They can also examine actual DNA and make careful comparisons and distinctions with known species.

Scientists have assigned ferrets, like most animals, a Latin name as well. They're part of a family called 'mustelids', which derives from the Latin 'mus' (for 'mouse'). However, they are not rodents. Their full scientific name is Mustela Putorius Furo. Putor refers to their odor, and furo is derived from the word for thief. This name suggests that even centuries ago ferrets had been commonly observed to snatch items and hide them.

Gradually, through the 19th century, they evolved more and more as working companions. They have even been trained to string cables through pipes in the North Sea and to run wires through small conduits in jets. By the 1970s their purpose in society had changed and they were pets for millions of people. That is, animals were kept around solely for the joy of their company.   Back