Feral ferrets may be placed on pest list
FERAL ferrets could soon be added to the island’s pest list, according to the States vet, in a bid to control humanely the fluctuating population.
They could decimate local wildlife populations which have not evolved enough to survive the predator.
‘We do get occasional reports of feral ferrets, but the reality is they are in every corner of the island and their numbers appear to fluctuate, likely in line with fluctuations in food source availability,’ said States vet David Chamberlain.
‘When the feral ferret’s natural food sources are in short supply, we think that they then target domestic livestock, poultry primarily, and pets, usually rabbits.’
For Guernsey, ferrets are an invasive non-native species, and are thought to have been introduced into the wild through escaped or purposely-released pet ferrets.
They are known to attack domestic birds and small animals.
‘Feral ferrets are very clever, fearless and determined, so pens and hutches need to be robust and ideally raised off the ground,’ said Mr Chamberlain.
‘Runs need to have wire both above and below to deter the intruding feral ferret.’
He works closely with ferret owner Geoff Le Gallez to capture and manage the ferret population on the island.
Mr Le Gallez works for free and has a supply of cages ready for distribution if islanders spot any ferrets.
‘They shouldn’t be over here in the wild to begin with, but it’s really hard to locate ferrets in Guernsey because there are so many nooks and crannies where they could be, and it can get out of hand so quickly,’ said Mr Le Gallez.
Ferrets usually come out and hunt during the night, which also makes it difficult to track them down.
‘Ferrets have kept a low profile in Guernsey over the last few years, but I’ve caught 68 in the past five years. Two were last year and one so far this year back in February,’ he said.
‘From six months old the youngsters can start reproducing, so it’s really important to manage the problem as early as possible and keep it under control.’
Mr Chamberlain has advised that any member of the public who has had their poultry or pets targeted by feral ferrets should contact Mr Le Gallez on 07781 115290, who will help to catch the ferrets and assess them for potential taming and rehoming.
n Ferret keepers are encouraged to have their pets microchipped so the animal can be returned if lost and subsequently found.
