The domesticated ferret does not easily establish feral populations, nor do they acquire rabies as readily as many other mammals do. The rabies virus shedding period has been well established as occurring within five days of onset of clinical signs and there have been more cases of rabid horses biting humans than there have of rabid ferrets doing so.

When ferrets were re-legalized here in Massachusetts in 1996, the law required vaccinations against rabies and canine distemper. In addition, all ferrets sold here must be de-sexed before point of sale and anyone wishing to have an entire jill or hob must acquire a breeder's license from the state to do so, at a cost of $1,000/year.

I believe that such measures would work in California to significantly reduce the risk of feral populations of ferret/polecat crosses in the boreal areas of Northern California, and to maintain public safety from rabies. However, if further precaution is desired, perhaps requiring a license to possess ferrets would provide both greater control of the domesticated ferret population and a steady revenue stream for the State of California.

I urge California Fish and Game, along with the Governor of California, to legalize the beloved pets with whom so many Californians would like to share their lives legally and comfortably.

Sincerely,
Catherine Bell -- longtime ferret carer and expert

Do ferrets wreck their environment? If they're wrecking our environment then how are the ferrets allowed in 48 other states!?