Ferret vs. Mink — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman — Updated on September 5, 2023
Ferrets are domesticated animals often kept as pets, while minks are semi-aquatic wild mammals known for their fur.
Difference Between Ferret and Mink
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Ferrets are sociable creatures and adapt well to human interaction, which makes them popular as household pets. Minks, being wild animals, are more aggressive and are not considered suitable as pets.
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Both animals have sharp teeth and are carnivorous. However, a mink's diet in the wild primarily consists of aquatic animals like fish and crustaceans, while ferrets, especially domestic ones, eat prepared feeds and some meats.
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Ferrets are domesticated members of the Mustelidae family, often kept as pets and sometimes used for hunting pests. Minks, on the other hand, are wild members of the same family, known primarily for their glossy fur, which is often used in the fashion industry.
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The natural habitat for ferrets, before domestication, was mainly grasslands. Minks prefer watery habitats such as riverbanks and lakesides, aligning with their semi-aquatic nature.
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Ferrets have a slender body shape and come in various colors and patterns. Minks have a similar slender build but usually have a rich dark brown fur, known for its luxurious quality.
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Comparison Chart
Domestication
Domesticated and kept as pets
Wild animals, not typically kept as pets
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Habitat
Adapted to human households; originally grasslands
Semi-aquatic, preferring riverbanks and lakesides
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Definitions
Ferret➦
A domesticated carnivorous mammal often kept as a pet.
She has a playful ferret named Oscar.
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Mink➦
A semi-aquatic carnivorous mammal known for its luxurious fur.
The fashion industry values mink fur for its quality.
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Ferret➦
A small animal used for hunting rabbits and rats.
Farmers used ferrets to control the rat population.
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Mink➦
A wild animal primarily found near water bodies.
Minks are common near the riverbanks in this region.
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Ferret➦
A member of the Mustelidae family, related to weasels.
Ferrets, like weasels, have slender bodies.
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Mink➦
A member of the Mustelidae family with glossy dark brown fur.
A mink's coat is especially thick during winter.
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Ferret➦
An animal with a curious nature and a penchant for digging.
The ferret burrowed into the pile of clothes.
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Mink➦
An animal hunted for its pelt used in clothing.
The use of mink fur in clothing has become controversial.
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Ferret➦
A creature known for its playful antics and sociable behavior.
My ferret loves to play with toys.
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Mink➦
A creature with an aggressive nature when compared to its domesticated relatives.
Approaching a wild mink can be dangerous.
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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.
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Mink➦
Mink are dark-colored, semiaquatic, carnivorous mammals of the genera Neogale and Mustela and part of the family Mustelidae, which also includes weasels, otters, and ferrets. There are two extant species referred to as "mink": the American mink and the European mink.
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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.
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Mink➦
Either of two semiaquatic mustelid carnivores, Mustela lutreola of Europe or Neovison vison of North America, having a pointed snout, short legs, and partly webbed toes. The North American species is bred for its commercially valuable fur.
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Mink➦
(plural mink or minks) Any of various semi-aquatic, carnivorous mammals in the Mustelinae subfamily, similar to weasels, with dark fur, native to Europe and America, of which two species in different genera are extant: the American mink (Neovison vison) and the European mink (Mustela lutreola).
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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).
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Mink➦
(plural minks) An individual with poor personal hygiene; a smelly person.
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Mink➦
A carnivorous mammal of the genus Mustela (foremrly Putorius), allied to the weasel. The European mink is Mustela lutreola. The common American mink (Mustela vison) varies from yellowish brown to black. Its fur is highly valued. Called also minx, nurik, and vison.
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Mink➦
The fur of the mink{1}. Together with sable, it is one of the most expensive furs not taken from endangerd species. When the fur is taken from animals grown on a farm, it called ranch mink.
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Ferret➦
An often domesticated mammal (Mustela putorius furo) rather like a weasel, descended from the polecat and often trained to hunt burrowing animals.
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Mink➦
Slender-bodied semiaquatic mammal having partially webbed feet; valued for its fur
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Ferret➦
(dated) A tape of silk, cotton, or ribbon, used to tie documents, clothing, etc. or along the edge of fabric.
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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.
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Ferret➦
A kind of narrow tape, usually made of woolen; sometimes of cotton or silk; - called also ferreting.
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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.
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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.
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Ferret➦
Domesticated albino variety of the European polecat bred for hunting rats and rabbits
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Ferret➦
Search and discover through persistent investigation;
She ferreted out the truth
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FAQs
Are both ferrets and minks carnivores?
Yes, both are carnivorous, though their diets differ.
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Which is larger, a ferret or a mink?
They are similar in size, but minks can sometimes be larger.
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Are ferrets and minks the same?
No, ferrets are domesticated pets while minks are wild and known for their fur.
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Can you keep a mink as a pet like a ferret?
Generally, no. Minks are wild and can be aggressive.
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Which one is more popular in the fashion industry?
Minks are popular for their luxurious fur.
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How long have humans domesticated ferrets?
For over 2000 years, mainly for hunting and later as pets.
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Where can you commonly find minks in the wild?
Near water bodies like rivers and lakes.
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Do ferrets and minks have similar lifespans?
Not necessarily; domesticated ferrets might live longer due to care.
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Are there any legal restrictions on keeping minks?
In many places, yes, due to their wild nature.
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How can you differentiate between a mink and a ferret at a glance?
Minks generally have darker, glossier fur.
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Is it ethical to use mink fur for fashion?
This is debated, with many advocating against fur use.
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Can ferrets swim like minks?
While they can swim, ferrets are not as adapted to water as minks.
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What are common colors for ferrets?
They can vary, including sable, white, black, and albino.
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Do minks have any natural predators?
Yes, including larger carnivores, birds of prey, and humans.
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Author Spotlight
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.
