Increase in ferrets a cause for concern

Several reports have surfaced recently of sightings of groups of wild ferrets roaming Guernsey’s roads and green spaces.

The invasive polecat species has been known to cause problems on the island in previous years, when the population spiralled almost out of control.

Geoff Le Gallez, who liaises with the States vet to assist with the capture and management of ferrets in Guernsey, said that after a lull in recent years, numbers appear to be on the rise again.

‘I haven’t caught any in a few years but I’ve had 55 since 2017,’ said Mr Le Gallez.

He also confirmed that sightings of the small predatory species were on the rise once more, having received a small number of reports himself in the past few weeks.

Ferrets most commonly prey on rabbits but when their populations are low, the species may turn to other sources of food and begin to target poultry or some smaller domestic pets. The rising number of sightings coincide with the animal’s breeding season, which commonly takes place between May and June.

GSPCA manager Steve Byrne confirmed that the summer period always sees a spike in reported sightings: ‘Each summer we have reports of mothers with babies, often litters in double figures,’ said Mr Byrne.

‘It is very difficult to measure the ferrets’ impact in the wild but as a non-indigenous species it does impact on the local ecosystem due to the low numbers of predatory animals on island.’

There is some additional cause for concern this year given recent evidence that has revealed how Covid-19 interacts with ferrets and other mink species.

Danish researchers confirmed in autumn 2020 that mammals in the mustelinae family, such as ferrets, were susceptible to the virus and able to transmit it to humans, in certain conditions. Some research has also raised concerns over the possibility to new variants to arise within ferrets and other mustelinae.

In response, owners of ferrets and mustelinae in Wales are being encouraged to sign up to a new voluntary register design to keep track of the animals and give guidance on how to keep the pets and their owners safe.

Guernsey has followed suit, creating its own register which Bailiwick ferret and mink owners are encouraged to sign onto.

n Owners can register by emailing the states veterinary officer on svo@gov.gg or by calling 221161.