11 Ferrets & Otters

Ferrets and otters are playful, fun-loving animals. Both are members of the weasel family and have long, low-slung bodies, short legs and small, rounded ears. This family also includes mink, sables, badgers, wolverines, martens and skunks.

The ferret is the only domesticated member of the weasel family. Originally, ferrets were used to control rats and mice in granaries, but now many are kept as pets. Ferrets love to play and are very sociable. They have an undercoat of fine, soft, short hair and an outer layer of longer, coarser guard hairs. They come in various colors, but most have a raccoon-like mask and legs, tails and ears that are darker than the rest of the body.

The North American river otter is one of thirteen species of otters worldwide. It amuses itself either alone or in groups by rolling, sliding down snow or mud banks, and frolicking in the water. The otter is an excellent swimmer, feeding mainly on fish. Its thick, velvety fur ranges in color from dark brown to reddish or grayish brown, with lighter, silvery-colored hair on the belly, throat and cheeks.