Did you know that domestic pet ferrets can sometimes be easily mixed up with wild native mustelids (members of the weasel family)?

This is especially true if a small species of weasel comes in injured or severely ill, because they may not behave like a wild animal when sick or in shock.

Misidentification is not entirely uncommon, but it can be dangerous for both humans and the animals. That is why we are here to help give you a jumping off point for identifying the strange little creatures in your care!

On this page, we will:

• Provide clear identification markers that will help you tell the difference between a domestic ferret and wild weasels, especially wild mink (one of the most commonly misidentified wild species)

• Provide links to country-side databases for wildlife rehabilitation facilities and shelters that specialize in domestic ferrets

• Provide a quick care guide for shelter intake of lost/stray domestic pet ferrets (domestic ferrets are NEVER wild, and should never be released; they are fully domesticated and non-native)

• Cover the existence and identifying markers of domestic fur farm mink, as well as a list of states where mink farms still exist in the US

• Direct contact information for several professionals that can assist with ID, if ID is still unclear after reviewing the materials on this page