Ferret
Alert
Have you seen Ferret?
Be on the lookout for Ferret and report it to Biosecurity Queensland. Early detection and reporting are the key elements in preventing Ferrets from becoming a major problem in Queensland.
Call us on 13 25 23.
Ferret close up of head
© Queensland Government
Ferret face
© Queensland Government
Ferret on ground
© Queensland Government
Ferret close up of body
© Queensland Government
Native to Europe from the Mediterranean to Scandinavia, ferrets are slender-bodied, carnivorous mammals. The ferret is a descendant of the polecat and a member of the mustelid family, which includes stoats, weasels, badgers, skunks, otters and minks.
Ferrets have naturalised in many places, including New Zealand, Morocco, and parts of the USA. They are associated with declines in native wildlife populations in New Zealand. Up to 150,000 ferrets are kept as pets in Australia. However, ferrets are prohibited as pets in Queensland and the Northern Territory.
You must not keep, feed, move, give away, sell or release into the environment. Penalties may apply.
You must report all sightings to Biosecurity Queensland within 24 hours.
Scientific name
Similar species
- Steppe polecat, black-footed ferret
Description
- Small, carnivorous mammal with body 20–45cm long, tail 7–15cm long, weight up to 2.7kg.
- Body is long and slinky.
- Legs are short.
- Face is pointed, with 34 teeth, including large canines.
- Paws have 5 non-retractable claws.
- Coat ranges from albino to cream, sand, ginger, brown, and dark brown with cream underbelly.
Habitat
- Inhabits temperate climates, and prolonged exposure to temperatures over 29°C can cause heat-related health problems.
- Prefers forested and semi-forested areas near water sources, including grassland, scrub, riverbeds and pasture.
- Also inhabits farmland, wide hedge banks, marshes, rubbish tips, sea cliffs, sand dunes and, occasionally, urban areas.
Distribution
- Anecdotal evidence suggests a small population of feral ferrets may exist near Inglewood in southern Queensland.
- Occasional sightings of lone ferrets have also been reported from parts of north Queensland.
- A naturalised Queensland population has never been confirmed.
- Detected and seized as illegal pets in Queensland.
Life cycle
- Life expectancy 2–4 years in wild, 6–10 years in captivity.
- Sexually mature at 6 months of age.
- Breeds once a year.
- Average of 4–8 kits per litter but can have up to 12 kits.
- Young are independent at 3 months.
Affected animals
- Native birds, including the kakapo, black stilts and royal albatrosses, poultry, and transmits disease in stock and humans.
Impacts
Environmental
- Eats native species.
Economic
- Transmits disease to stock and humans.
- Eats chickens and eggs.
Social
- Can inflict painful bites that require medical treatment.
Natural enemies
- Birds of prey such as hawks, owls and large carnivorous mammals in the wild.
- Susceptible to several viral and parasitic diseases, such as canine distemper.
Control
- If you see or are in possession of a ferret contact our Customer Service Centre within 24 hours.
Legal requirements
- The ferret is a prohibited invasive animal under the Biosecurity Act 2014.
- You must not keep, move, give away, sell or release into the environment. Penalties may apply.
- You must not take any action reasonably likely to exacerbate the biosecurity threat posed by ferrets.
- You must take any action that is reasonably likely to minimise the biosecurity threat posed by ferrets.
- You must report all sightings to Biosecurity Queensland within 24 hours.