Ferrets Run Wild

Ferrets are an animal that has been domesticated for nearly 2500 years.  The original purpose for their domestication is currently unknown, which can go the same for most domesticated animals.  Ferrets weigh approximately 2-4 pounds and are generally around 20 inches in length.  There are other long mammals that have the same genetic associations, for example, the black footed ferret. 
 
 Ferrets are connected with the European polecat and they can hybridize with them fairly easily.  This hybridization has been a problem for the local fauna in places like New Zealand, which is why keeping ferrets as pets are restricted in certain countries. When ferrets run wild, they can cause harm to the local ecosystem.