Why can’t ferrets be legally owned in California?

Question

I think it’s legal to own ferrets in all but I think 3 states. What is California’s problem with not letting someone legally have a ferret?

Answer 1

because they are notorious for escaping from captivity and when they do,they are a pest,they wipe out bird life ,ducks,geese etc,by stealing eggs from nests.

Here in NZ they have had a huge problem with them in the wild,they are killing off rare and protected native birds and small animals etc.  

Answer 2

CA is one of those weird states that still considers ferrets to be a "wild" animal, even though they've been domesticated for thousands of years (Hawaii is the other state that bans ferrets and several cities across the US ban them as well). They also believe that if a couple ferrets escape or are set loose in the wild, then they'll join together, form large feral colonies, and then spread diseases and pose a threat to other wildlife. However, those of us that actually know enough about ferrets know that's not a possibility. Ferrets rely so heavily on humans that they would most likely die shortly after  being released into the wild. There's also the fear of rabies, even though there are zero reports of a ferret transmitting rabies to a human. Ferrets are also thought to carry "dumb rabies" rather than "furious rabies" (in other words, it won't act aggressive and try biting people, it will instead become very lethargic and want little to do with people or other animals). Here's some more info on CA's stand against ferrets: http://www.ferretsanonymous.com/archives...

Answer 3

its under the fish and game act or w/e. they sell ferret food in their pet stores so i dont know why they contradict themselves.

Answer 4

Well, first let me say I don't agree with the ban on ferrets in Calif.  I think it is unreasonable myself.  

But I got curious some time ago and read that because ferrets are so resilient and considered, by the state fish and game dept. anyway , to be able to not only survive in the wild, but would thrive in the wild. Where they would pose a threat to the indigenous wildlife of the state, thereby upsetting the natural ecology.  

And, if you didn't know, gerbils are not legal in California either, and for the same 'reason' ..  

Answer 5

Its stupid isnt it?! And ferret stuff is sold at pet stores. Its just a tease! I have no idea why, but i wish I did.