The Wonders of Ferret History!
Its time to learn a little bit about ferret history! Let's go! Long before they became mans alternative best friend, ferrets were used to control vermin (undesirable small animals like rats and mice) or for hunting small game animals. Yes, in times gone by, there were no pampered ferrets - they were working animals!
Old writings by Plinius make mention of ferrets being used off the Mediterranean coast of Spain to get rid of rabbits that were destroying crops. The emperor sent ferrets via boat to hunt the rabbits in their warrens which in turn sent them straight into the hunter's nets! Thus began the long ferret history of being man's helper and companion.
When the Muslims conquered these areas in the 8th century, these ferrets gravitated through temperate areas and were called "Furo." Because they were such excellent hunters the royals loved them in much the same way as they did hawks and falcons. Ferret history books tell us that they were released into the grass and bushes to flush game birds out of hiding in the sport of falcon hunting.
When the Crusaders returned to Italy and Byzantium they brought ferrets with them from the near and Middle East. These ferrets were taken home with them and used to catch rats or to help in rabbit hunting. It was not uncommon to find ferrets in the best homes of the nobility! Ferret history suggests that they were often termed 'ermine' to make them sound more elegant!
Ferret history tells us that as time went by ferrets became farm dwellers that caught rats in barns and grain stores. Until the eighteenth century they were without equal as controllers of vermin. As people became less superstitious, cats increasingly took their place on farms and in homes. .
Cats were a popular replacement for one main reason: ferrets are very smelly animals! In those days spaying and neutering were unheard of so their demise as man's hunter and rat catcher may have been due to their stinkyness! According to ferret history books, cats were also easier to train and control.
Some ferrets did remain in rural regions where their more reliable hunting skills were appreciated. In some areas of Europe, ferrets are still used in hunting and rat control. They are also often the favorite tool of poachers! Ferret history suggests that they were hidden in the coat pockets of such thieves.
What about more modern ferret history? In the forties and fifties ferrets in the United States were bred for their fur. This was used in fake 'mink' coats. Today's fluffy ferrets are probably relatives of these animals.
Even more astounding ferret history - In the 1960s Boeing Aircraft Corporation and British Columbia Telephones used ferrets to string electrical and telephone cables and guide wires that were used to pull heavy cables through conduits! And you thought ferrets were only good for looking cute and adorable!
