Ferret vs. Weasel — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman — Updated on October 28, 2023
Ferrets are domesticated animals often kept as pets, while weasels are wild, smaller, and have a more diverse range of species.
Difference Between Ferret and Weasel
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Ferrets, belonging to the species Mustela putorius furo, are domesticated and commonly kept as pets. Weasels, on the other hand, are wild animals from the genus Mustela, with numerous species.
Ferrets are larger and heavier compared to weasels. Weasels are known for their slim bodies and relatively smaller size.
Ferrets are often used for hunting or rodent control due to their training and domestication. Weasels, being wild, have natural hunting instincts and are not typically used for such purposes.
Ferrets have a broader, more rounded face, while weasels possess a narrower, more elongated facial structure.
Due to domestication, ferrets exhibit a wider variety of coat colors and patterns. Weasels generally maintain their natural coloring, which varies among species but is typically less diverse than in ferrets.
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Comparison Chart
Species
Mustela putorius furo
Various species within the genus Mustela
Domestication
Domesticated, often kept as pets
Wild animals, not domesticated
Size
Larger and heavier
Smaller and lighter
Use
Often used in hunting and rodent control
Wild, not used for such purposes
Face Shape
Broader, more rounded face
Narrower, more elongated face
Coat Variability
Wide variety of colors and patterns
Natural coloring, less diversity
Compare with Definitions
Ferret
A lively and inquisitive animal.
The ferret explored every corner of the house.
Weasel
A mammal with a slender body.
The weasel slipped through the fence effortlessly.
Ferret
A pet from the weasel family.
She adopted a ferret from the animal shelter.
Weasel
A small, carnivorous mammal.
A weasel was spotted in the backyard.
Ferret
An animal used for hunting rabbits.
The farmer used a ferret to control the rabbit population.
Weasel
An animal known for its fur.
Weasels have a thick, warm fur coat.
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.
Weasel
Weasels are mammals of the genus Mustela of the family Mustelidae. The genus Mustela includes the least weasels, polecats, stoats, ferrets and mink.
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.
Weasel
Any of various carnivorous mammals of the genus Mustela, having a long slender body, a long tail, short legs, and brownish fur that in many species turns white in winter.
Ferret
A black-footed ferret.
Weasel
A person regarded as sneaky or treacherous.
Ferret
A narrow piece of tape used to bind or edge fabric.
Weasel
To be evasive; equivocate.
Ferret
To hunt (rabbits, for example) with ferrets.
Weasel
The least weasel, Mustela nivalis.
Ferret
To drive out, as from a hiding place; expel.
Weasel
Any of the carnivorous mammals of the genus Mustela, having a slender body, a long tail and usually a light brown upper coat and light-coloured belly.
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).
Weasel
The taxonomic family Mustelidae is also called the weasel family.
Ferret
To hound or harry persistently; worry.
Weasel
A devious or sneaky person or animal.
Ferret
To engage in hunting with ferrets.
Weasel
A type of yarn winder used for counting the yardage of handspun yarn. It most commonly has a wooden peg or dowel that pops up from the gearing mechanism after a certain number of yards have been wound onto the winder.
Ferret
To search intensively.
Weasel
(transitive) To achieve by clever or devious means.
Ferret
An often domesticated mammal (Mustela putorius furo) rather like a weasel, descended from the polecat and often trained to hunt burrowing animals.
Weasel
To gain something for oneself by clever or devious means.
Ferret
The black-footed ferret, Mustela nigripes.
Weasel
(intransitive) To engage in clever or devious behavior.
Ferret
(figurative) A diligent searcher.
Weasel
Any one of various species of small carnivores belonging to the genus Putorius, as the ermine and ferret. They have a slender, elongated body, and are noted for the quickness of their movements and for their bloodthirsty habit in destroying poultry, rats, etc. The ermine and some other species are brown in summer, and turn white in winter; others are brown at all seasons.
Ferret
(dated) A tape of silk, cotton, or ribbon, used to tie documents, clothing, etc. or along the edge of fabric.
Weasel
Small carnivorous mammal with short legs and elongated body and neck
Ferret
To hunt game with ferrets.
Weasel
A predator known for hunting small rodents.
The weasel expertly caught the mouse.
Ferret
To uncover and bring to light by searching; usually to ferret out.
Weasel
A typically shy and elusive wild animal.
The weasel vanished into the underbrush.
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
Ferret
A companion animal kept for enjoyment.
Her ferret became her most beloved pet.
Ferret
A small, carnivorous mammal.
The ferret is a fascinating mammal with a playful nature.
Common Curiosities
Can ferrets be trained?
Yes, ferrets can be trained to do simple tricks and use a litter box.
Are ferrets good pets for everyone?
Ferrets can be great pets, but they require specific care and may not be suitable for all households.
Do ferrets need special diets?
Yes, ferrets are carnivores and require a diet high in protein and fat.
How fast can a weasel run?
Weasels can run at speeds up to 20 mph (32 km/h).
Can ferrets and weasels interbreed?
No, they are different species and cannot interbreed.
Can weasels be domesticated?
Weasels are wild animals and are not typically domesticated.
Do ferrets have a natural odor?
Yes, ferrets have scent glands that produce a natural musky odor.
Are weasels dangerous to humans?
Weasels are generally not dangerous to humans but may bite if threatened.
Can ferrets be let outside?
Ferrets can play outside but should be supervised to prevent escape or injury.
How long do weasels live in the wild?
Weasels usually live around 1-3 years in the wild.
Are weasels solitary animals?
Yes, weasels are typically solitary except during mating season.
Do ferrets sleep a lot?
Yes, ferrets can sleep up to 18 hours a day.
Do weasels change color in winter?
Some weasel species, like the stoat, change color in winter to camouflage in the snow.
Do ferrets need companionship?
Ferrets are social animals and often enjoy the company of other ferrets.
Are weasels found worldwide?
Weasels are found in various habitats around the world, except for Australia and Antarctica.
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Written 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.
