Ferret vs. Fisher — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Urooj Arif — Updated on April 23, 2024
Ferrets are domesticated animals known for their playful nature and long, slim bodies, while fishers are larger, wild members of the weasel family, adept at hunting.
Difference Between Ferret and Fisher
Table of Contents
ADVERTISEMENT
Key Differences
Ferrets are domesticated animals primarily kept as pets, known for their friendly and inquisitive nature. On the other hand, fishers are wild carnivores found in North American forests, much less interactive with humans.
The body of a ferret is characterized by a long, slim shape with a typical length of 20 inches, making them smaller and more flexible. Whereas, fishers are larger and stockier, typically around 35 to 47 inches long, including their tail.
Ferrets have a lifespan of 7 to 10 years under human care, thriving on a diet specially formulated for domesticated carnivores. In contrast, fishers live roughly 10 years in the wild, feeding on a varied diet ranging from small mammals to birds.
Socially, ferrets are highly sociable animals that enjoy the company of other ferrets and humans. Fishers, however, are solitary creatures, only coming together for mating purposes.
In terms of habitat, ferrets are adapted to living in human environments and require a secure, enriched enclosure to explore. Fishers roam vast forested areas, proficient in climbing trees and navigating dense woodland.
ADVERTISEMENT
Comparison Chart
Domestication
Domesticated, often kept as pets
Wild, not domesticated
Size
20 inches long on average
35 to 47 inches long on average
Lifespan
7-10 years
Approximately 10 years
Social Behavior
Sociable with humans and other ferrets
Solitary, except during mating
Preferred Habitat
Human-made environments
Forested, natural environments
Compare with Definitions
Ferret
Known for their curiosity and playful behavior.
The ferret explored every corner of its new home.
Fisher
Eats a diet of small mammals and birds.
Fishers help control the population of hares and rabbits.
Ferret
Requires a diet of high protein and fat.
She feeds her ferret a special diet formulated for its needs.
Fisher
Solitary except during the mating season.
The fisher roamed the forest alone.
Ferret
Prone to certain illnesses like insulinoma.
The vet checked her ferret for common health issues.
Fisher
Large, carnivorous mammal native to North American forests.
The fisher is known for its agility in the trees.
Ferret
Social animals that thrive in groups.
Her ferret gets along well with her other pets.
Fisher
Uses large territories for hunting.
The fisher’s territory spans several miles of dense forest.
Ferret
Small domesticated mammal of the weasel family.
She adopted a ferret because of its playful nature.
Fisher
Capable of hunting much larger animals.
Fishers have been known to prey on porcupines.
Ferret
The ferret (Mustela furo) is a domestic species of small mustelid. The only domesticated species in Mustelidae, it is thought to be a descendant of the European polecat, a mammal belonging to the same genus as the weasel, Mustela.
Fisher
A person who catches fish, especially for a living or for sport; a person engaging in the pastime of fishing.
Ferret
A domesticated mustelid mammal (Mustela furo syn. Mustela putorius subsp. furo) with an elongated flexible body, often kept as a pet and sometimes trained to hunt rats or rabbits.
Fisher
A North American marten, Martes pennanti, that has thick brown fur.
Ferret
A black-footed ferret.
Fisher
The fur of Martes pennanti.
Ferret
A narrow piece of tape used to bind or edge fabric.
Fisher
One who fishes.
Ferret
To hunt (rabbits, for example) with ferrets.
Fisher
A carnivorous animal of the Weasel family (Mustela Canadensis); the pekan; the "black cat."
Ferret
To drive out, as from a hiding place; expel.
Fisher
Someone whose occupation is catching fish
Ferret
To uncover and bring to light by searching. Often used with out
"Their work merely points the way for others to ferret out the core components of all proteins" (Natalie Angier).
Fisher
Large dark brown North American arboreal carnivorous mammal
Ferret
To hound or harry persistently; worry.
Ferret
To engage in hunting with ferrets.
Ferret
To search intensively.
Ferret
An often domesticated mammal (Mustela putorius furo) rather like a weasel, descended from the polecat and often trained to hunt burrowing animals.
Ferret
The black-footed ferret, Mustela nigripes.
Ferret
(figurative) A diligent searcher.
Ferret
(dated) A tape of silk, cotton, or ribbon, used to tie documents, clothing, etc. or along the edge of fabric.
Ferret
To hunt game with ferrets.
Ferret
To uncover and bring to light by searching; usually to ferret out.
Ferret
An animal of the Weasel family (Mustela furo syn. Putorius furo), about fourteen inches in length, of a pale yellow or white color, with red eyes. It is a native of Africa, but has been domesticated in Europe. Ferrets are used to drive rabbits and rats out of their holes. They are sometimes kept as pets.
Ferret
A kind of narrow tape, usually made of woolen; sometimes of cotton or silk; - called also ferreting.
Ferret
The iron used for trying the melted glass to see if is fit to work, and for shaping the rings at the mouths of bottles.
Ferret
To drive or hunt out of a lurking place, as a ferret does the cony; to search out by patient and sagacious efforts; - often used with out; as, to ferret out a secret.
Master Fer! I'll fer him, and firk him, and ferret him.
Ferret
Ferret of prairie regions of United States; nearly extinct
Ferret
Domesticated albino variety of the European polecat bred for hunting rats and rabbits
Ferret
Hound or harry relentlessly
Ferret
Hunt with ferrets
Ferret
Search and discover through persistent investigation;
She ferreted out the truth
Common Curiosities
What is the lifespan of a fisher in the wild?
Fishers live for about 10 years in the wild.
Do ferrets need a lot of care?
Yes, ferrets require regular grooming, a proper diet, and plenty of playtime.
Can ferrets be trained?
Yes, ferrets can be trained to do simple tricks and follow basic commands.
What is the typical size of a ferret?
A ferret typically measures about 20 inches in length.
Are fishers dangerous to humans?
Fishers generally avoid humans and are not considered dangerous.
Can ferrets live with other pets?
Ferrets can coexist with other pets if properly introduced and supervised.
What do ferrets eat?
Ferrets eat a high-protein diet often comprised of specially prepared ferret food.
Where do fishers live?
Fishers live in forested regions across North America.
What are common predators of fishers?
Fishers have few natural predators but must watch out for eagles and large carnivores.
How do fishers hunt?
Fishers hunt by using their agility to catch prey both on the ground and in trees.
Are fishers good climbers?
Yes, fishers are excellent climbers and often hunt in the trees.
How do ferrets communicate?
Ferrets communicate through a series of vocalizations, postures, and gestures.
Share Your Discovery
Previous Comparison
Excuse vs. Reason
Next Comparison
University vs. VarsityAuthor Spotlight
Written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
Edited by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
