How do you know the difference between a European polecat and a domestic ferret?

Answer 1

Polecats and Ferrets are genetically very similar. The difference between a domestic ferret and a European polecat is that a ferret is the domestication of the Polecat and is a pet. Domestication has reduced the Ferrets ability to fend for themselves. Polecat Ferret hybrids do exist and are very difficult to distinguish from a true Polecat. The domestic ferret is smaller, and has a more fragile bone structure. A domestic ferret is usually lighter in color, and the mask does not reach the tinted neck band like it does with the European polecat. The European polecat has a rounder face. The back of the ears of a European polecat is dark, whereas it is light in the domestic ferret. European polecat jaws are much stronger than those of the domestic ferret. The European polecat is more muscular. The European polecat is a solitary animal and only meets in the mating season, while the ferret loves company.

Answer 2

=== === * Domestic ferrets and the European polecats are genetically similar enough that they are able to interbreed Being so closely related to polecats, ferrets are quite easily able to hybridize with them, and this has occasionally resulted in feral colonies of ferret polecat hybrids that have been perceived to have caused damage New Zealand has the world's largest feral population of ferret-polecat hybrids. Ferrets mated with the European polecat, create a number of hybrids that are capable of surviving in the wild. * Ferrets are domesticated from European Polecats
Yes, it can. But it is known that the offspring can get problems or disfiguration easily. But it has happened with no problems at all before. :)