Ferrets As Pets In California

Like ferrets gerbils are popular pets in the united states.

Ferrets as pets in california. However california s climate is similar to a gerbil s natural desert habitat. Ferrets were once used to control the wild rabbit population in new zealand resulting in the development of feral ferret colonies. If you live in california or anywhere else ferrets are illegal and are still considering getting a ferret please don t. Pet ferrets have neither.

Saturday april 2 is national ferret day but there will not be much celebration in california. Ferrets are legal in all the states of america except california and hawaii. Call ferrets the forbidden fruit of pet ownership. The california fish and game code declares it a crime to possess any animal that is endangered and a threat to public security.

Funny thing is there s an estimated 300 000 to 500 000 ferrets in california though illegal to own there the state has the highest population of domesticated ferrets. I just find it amazing that they can put so much effort into worrying about what is basically a harmless animal. The golden state and hawaii are the only states to ban domesticated ferrets. California allows some exotic animals as pets.

Especially ferrets who are carnivores wild animals like lions tigers and bears are also prohibited to own. As of 1999 ferrets are legal to keep as pets in new york city. Even though ferrets are genetically very similar to the european polecat the actual origin of the domestic ferrets cannot be determined accurately since the exact species we find. Ferrets are what many consider to be a domesticated subspecies of the european polecat a member of the family of mustelids this group includes animals like weasels wolverines otters badgers martens and others.

In california you can own a ferret after applying for a permit from california department of fish and game. As a result state officials are concerned that gerbils who escape or are released into the wild could establish feral colonies that would damage crops and native plants and animals.