The ferret, or polecat, is a representative of the Mammals class from the Kunya family. It is a typical predator. Zoologists include minks, ermines, and weasels to this genus (ferrets). Ferrets are smart, agile and cautious animals.
If necessary, they are well protected: these predators begin to behave aggressively, bite strongly and, of course, float their foul-smelling liquid. This technique often knocks dogs off the track. There have been cases when ferrets attacked people, in particular small children.
Where do ferrets live?
These predators inhabit all of Europe and Asia, live in the mountains, forests, fields, plains. Often ferrets can be found near human habitation. The Russian polecat is represented by two species: there is steppe (light) and forest (black). We will talk about them a little later.
Appearance
Polecat is a relatively small furry animal. The length of the male body can reach 50 centimeters, and females - 40 centimeters. In this case, the tail accounts for up to 20 centimeters. The famous fur of these animals has black and brown tones; on the sides it is painted in chestnut color. Above the small and black eyes, these animals have yellow-white spots, the muzzle has the same color.
What do ferrets eat?
As mentioned above, the polecat is a typical predator. He will never, of his own free will, eat plant foods. These thugs with great pleasure eat rats and mice, as well as poisonous vipers. It is curious that snake bites do not harm these animals in any way. In order to eat hearty and glorious food, the ferret must hunt, showing extraordinary treachery, endurance and dexterity.
But not always the above qualities and skills work with a bang. Sometimes hunting does not bear any fruit. It is curious that the animal is not particularly worried about this: the polecat eats snails and grasshoppers quietly, steals delicious honey from wild bees, dives into the water for fish. Only in exceptional cases do these creatures switch to pasture, eating berries and grass.
Thunderstorm of chicken coops!
Pole (the photo of this predator is presented in the article) is a real thunderstorm of chicken coops and the whole bird farm! Ermine and even affection are not far behind him. It is not for nothing that whole legends have already been formed about the raids of these animals on rural areas. In addition, these predators from the Kunyi family not only ruin the chicken coops by eating eggs, but also take five or more chickens with them in one night.
Lifestyle
In nature, an adult ferret prefers to lead a solitary lifestyle. It is difficult to see these animals in the pack, because their morals and character will never allow them to get along together on the same territory. Zoologists describe pugnacious ferrets as an interesting phenomenon of wildlife: two males, without dividing the territory between themselves, begin to attack each other, bounce, bite, squeal from pain, scratch and tumble (see photo below).
Pregnancy in trochees
Pregnancy in females occurs up to three times in one year. In one litter, usually up to 12 ferrets are obtained. Cubs are born completely defenseless and blind. The female feeds them with milk for two weeks. At the end of this period, the cubs begin to eat plant foods, and then - ordinary food.
How does a Russian forest ferret live?
Black polecat, or forest, is a typical inhabitant of Eurasia. This animal was domesticated by humans in Russia. This form has its name - ferret, or albino ferret. If we talk about the genetics of this animal, then this species is perfectly and freely crossed, giving different color variations.
Forest ferrets are widespread in western Europe, but even there, their habitat is gradually declining. A huge population of these animals is in the UK, in most of Russia (except the Caucasus), in North Karelia and the Lower Volga. Scientists studying these animals believe that recently they could also settle in the forests of Finland. In addition, forest polecat inhabits areas in northwestern Africa.
Forest Ferret Lifestyle
These sneakers, like all their relatives, are sedentary and solitary. They become attached to a particular habitat and try to live there as long as possible. Because this species of chorea prefers to settle in small forests and individual groves, they were called "forest inhabitants". In addition, the forest edge is a typical hunting site for the black ferret.
These predators most often use natural shelters as shelters: they live under deadwoods, clutches of firewood, rotten haystacks, stumps, etc. Often a black ferret can settle next to a badger or a fox. In villages and collective farms, these creatures live in barns, cellars, and sometimes under the roofs of local bathhouses. These animals hardly dig their own burrows. Forest ferret swims perfectly and can compete in this even with the mink itself!
They seek their prey mainly in the evening. In the afternoon, getting them out of their shelter can be very difficult. An exception can only be a strong feeling of hunger. The size of the predator does not allow him to catch mouse-like rodents underground, so the black ferret is forced to watch them or grab it right on the run!
A bit about steppe ferrets
Another representative of this family is the steppe ferret, or white ferret. Representatives of this species are the largest ferrets on our planet. They differ from their relatives by a high, but sparse fur coat. Because of this, a thick but light underfill shines through their fur.
Steppe ferrets are widespread in the west of Yugoslavia and the Czech Republic, in the steppes, forest-steppes and semi-deserts of Russia (from Transbaikalia to the Middle Amur). You can meet them in Central and Central Asia right up to the Far East. Zoologists say that over the past few decades, the range of this species of chorea has expanded to the west and slightly to the north. The steppe ferret tries to avoid forests and settlements.
What do steppe ferrets eat?
Like all coons, the steppe polecat is a typical predator. He hunts for hamsters, ground squirrels, small rodents. With pleasure eats frogs, poisonous snakes and birds. In the summer, steppe hori can prey on invertebrate animals: beetles, dragonflies, worms, spiders. Those steppe creatures that live near water bodies have been used to catching aquatic animals, for example, river voles.
Like all other ferrets, these creatures cause considerable harm to domestic poultry farming. It is worth noting that such a reputation often spoils the life of the animals themselves, because sometimes they are accused of what they did not commit at all. This is because the steppe ferrets can be substituted by their relatives - weasels and martens. Outside the settlements, these creatures bring great benefits, exterminating rodents.
Polecat and man
The friendship of a man and a ferret is not an invented legend, but the real truth. Young animals taken from the hole are quite easy to tame. This was used by some hunters who came up with a practical application for them in the hunt: they use them in the pursuit of rabbits instead of dogs.
Nevertheless, the polecat, whose photo is repeatedly presented in our article, is a predator, and therefore a person needs to be extremely careful and careful in communicating with him. It must be remembered that violent temper will never leave these animals. The average life expectancy of these creatures in nature is 3-4 years, at home - up to 7 years.