Ferrets aren’t allowed in California as pets. Read on to learn why, and how to increase your chances of meeting one in person!

What is a ferret, and why can’t I own one in California?

Ferrets are a type of mustelid, a carnivorous mammal with an elongated body, short limbs, and small snout!

The California Dept. of Fish and Wildlife states that this law, “was established to restrict the possession of thousands of different species of animals for one or more of the following reasons: (1) because their numbers are threatened or endangered in the wild, (2) because they pose a threat to our native fish and wildlife, agriculture or public health and safety.” Domestic ferrets are illegal to have as pets in California because if they escape from captivity and survive as feral animals they would compete with native wildlife for food and shelter.

What is the difference between a ‘domestic ferret’ and other ferrets?

The domestic ferret has been bred and domesticated for some while now (dating back further than 2500 years ago), and is thought to be a relative of the European Polecat. Domestic and wild ferrets are genetically and visually very similar, although domestic ferrets have been bred towards different colors. Domestic ferrets can be used for hunting (a.k.a. ‘ferreting’).

Click to learn the difference between domestic ferrets, wild European polecats and wild black-footed ferrets:

Are domestic ferrets endangered?

They don’t have a special animal conservation status. However, the domestic ferret’s close relative, the black-footed ferret, is very endangered. The black-footed ferret is native to the central United States. It has become an endangered species because cities and ranches have taken over the range of its main prey, the prairie dog.

What do the ferrets at CuriOdyssey eat?

Our domestic ferrets eat kibble, meat, and insects! (Want to try an insect? Our gift shop sells all sorts of bug snacks for human consumption, so you too can eat like a ferret).

How do I increase my chances of meeting a ferret?

Visit us during a special event (like a mammal focus), sign up for an educational workshop that includes ferrets, or give us a call at 650-342-7755 during open hours to see if we have a ferret Animals in Action talk scheduled for that day. Search the web for animal events and centers near you! Some groups will have ferrets as their own Animal Ambassadors. When in doubt, YouTube has some delightful videos.

Argh! I love ferrets, what can I do to support them/show I care since I can’t legally own one?

• Symbolically adopt a ferret living in a zoo or other rescue. You adopt one of ours here (psst, they come with a plush).
• Make donations or buy merchandise from organizations that care for ferrets in your area or areas nearby.
  • Check out the organizations like this one who accept donations for native, endangered ferrets!
• You can still save a life in the name of ferrets. Just adopt another small mammal like a guinea pig; you could even name them Ferret.

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