Polecat-ferret hybrid
Encyclopedia
A Polecat-Ferret Hybrid is a cross between a European polecat
(Mustela putorius) and a ferret
(Mustela putorius furo). Crossbreeds between the two animals typically have a distinct white throat patch, white feet and white hairs interspersed among the fur. Typically, first generation crossbreeds between polecats and ferrets develop their wild parent's fear of humans if left with their mother during the critical socialisation period between 7½ and 8½ weeks of age. It is currently impossible to distinguish pure polecats from hybrids through DNA analysis, as the two forms are too closely related and inter-mixed to be separated through modern genetic methods.
In some parts of Britain, the escape of domestic ferrets into the wild has led to ferret-polecat crossbreeds living in the wild. Ferrets were likely first brought to Britain after the Norman Conquest of England
, or as late as the 14th century. John George Wood
wrote that polecat-ferrets were sometimes used by hunters alongside pure ferrets. In modern times, supposed ferret-polecat crossbreeds are occasionally advertised as superior to pure ferrets for the purposes of rabbiting
, though actual crossbreeds are very likely to be less handleable, less willing to familiarise themselves with dogs, and are more likely to kill their quarry outright rather than simply flush it from its burrow. The advantages of polecat-ferret hybrids over pure ferrets include the hybrid's better eyesight, their greater physical capabilities and their more independent nature. The disadvantages are that hybrids are less willing to be handled, require rigorous enrichment routines in order to prevent boredom
, refuse to enter unfamiliar holes and do not cope well with being caged.
European polecat
The European polecat , also known as the black or forest polecat , is a species of Mustelid native to western Eurasia and North Africa, which is classed by the IUCN as Least Concern due to its wide range and large numbers. It is of a generally dark brown colour, with a pale underbelly and a dark...
(Mustela putorius) and a ferret
Ferret
The ferret is a domesticated mammal of the type Mustela putorius furo. Ferrets are sexually dimorphic predators with males being substantially larger than females. They typically have brown, black, white, or mixed fur...
(Mustela putorius furo). Crossbreeds between the two animals typically have a distinct white throat patch, white feet and white hairs interspersed among the fur. Typically, first generation crossbreeds between polecats and ferrets develop their wild parent's fear of humans if left with their mother during the critical socialisation period between 7½ and 8½ weeks of age. It is currently impossible to distinguish pure polecats from hybrids through DNA analysis, as the two forms are too closely related and inter-mixed to be separated through modern genetic methods.
In some parts of Britain, the escape of domestic ferrets into the wild has led to ferret-polecat crossbreeds living in the wild. Ferrets were likely first brought to Britain after the Norman Conquest of England
Norman conquest of England
The Norman conquest of England began on 28 September 1066 with the invasion of England by William, Duke of Normandy. William became known as William the Conqueror after his victory at the Battle of Hastings on 14 October 1066, defeating King Harold II of England...
, or as late as the 14th century. John George Wood
John George Wood
John George Wood, or Rev J. G. Wood, , was a popular English writer on natural history.Wood was born in London, son of surgeon John Freeman Wood and Juliana Lisetta, and educated at home, at Ashbourne grammar school and Merton College, Oxford ; also at Christ Church, where he worked for some time...
wrote that polecat-ferrets were sometimes used by hunters alongside pure ferrets. In modern times, supposed ferret-polecat crossbreeds are occasionally advertised as superior to pure ferrets for the purposes of rabbiting
Rabbiting
Rabbiting is the sport of hunting rabbits, often using ferrets or dogs to track the prey and various trapping and shooting methods to catch them....
, though actual crossbreeds are very likely to be less handleable, less willing to familiarise themselves with dogs, and are more likely to kill their quarry outright rather than simply flush it from its burrow. The advantages of polecat-ferret hybrids over pure ferrets include the hybrid's better eyesight, their greater physical capabilities and their more independent nature. The disadvantages are that hybrids are less willing to be handled, require rigorous enrichment routines in order to prevent boredom
Boredom
Boredom is an emotional state experienced when an individual is without any activity or is not interested in their surroundings. The first recorded use of the word boredom is in the novel Bleak House by Charles Dickens, written in 1852, in which it appears six times, although the expression to be a...
, refuse to enter unfamiliar holes and do not cope well with being caged.