Ferret hair

Domestic ferret

Description

Black-footed ferrets

Sleak, buff-color hair from the ferret (Mustela putorius furo) native to Europe, Asia, and North America. Ferrets are part of the weasel family and are nocturnal hunters. Domesticated as early as 400 BC, ferrets have been used to hunt rabbits and kill rats. Ferret pelts are not widely used since their skin is thin and inelastic. Ferret hairs have occasionally been used for artist brushes.

Synonyms and Related Terms

fitchet; Mustela putorius furo; polecat

Resources and Citations

• Kopehagen furs at http://www.kopenhagenfur.com/sw13434.asp (Accessed Sept 17, 2005)

• Zora Sweet Pinney, 'A Handle on the Terms used for Artists' Brushes', unpublished glossary, 1999

• Encyclopedia Britannica, http://www.britannica.com Comment: "ferret" [Accessed October 16, 2003].