Ferret

Mustela furo is the largest of New Zealand’s three introduced mustelids. It differs from stoats and weasels through its heavier build, broader head and dark facial mask. The coat is usually cream and dark brown with a blackish mask and tail. The body is long and low, but bulkier than a stoat’s.

Feral ferrets occur mainly in open country across both main islands. They are especially associated with rabbit country in Canterbury, Otago and Southland. They take rabbits, rodents, birds, eggs and reptiles. They hunt mostly at night and use burrows or dense cover for shelter.

They are occasionally seen at dusk in the Mackenzie Basin, but encounters are unpredictable.