Ferrets are animals that people either love and think are cute and furry, or hate and think that they’re nothing more than a glorified weasel. For people who adore these little creatures, then National Ferret Day might be a day that they will want to observe on April 2nd. For people who don’t particularly like these animals, well maybe it’s better for them to observe some other holiday on this day such as National Peanut Butter & Jelly Day.

The History of National Ferret Day

National Ferret Day is a holiday that was created by Carol Roche of New York sometime before between 2011 and 2014. She decided to found the day because she had just bought a new ferret and found out that they were surprisingly affectionate, independent, and playful pets. Several years later, her enthusiasm for her ferret would be immortalized when National Ferret Day became an officially recognized holiday in 2014.

Amazing Facts About Ferrets

Now that we know what this holiday celebrates and when it was first invented, it’s time to turn our attention back to the animals that make this day what it is. Although people have a lot of misconceptions about ferrets, these animals are some of the most amazing animals a person could own as a pet. Anyone who doesn’t believe us can simply take a look at the following amazing facts about ferrets to find out the truth.

• Although some people think ferrets are rodents, they’re actually members of the weasel family.
• Other members of the weasel family include ermines, polecats, and stoats.
• Ferrets were domesticated over 2,500-years ago to hunt rabbits and rodents.
• From the mid-19th century to the 1940s, ferrets were used in the American Wet to protect food grains from rodents.
• A ferret’s heart can beat anywhere from 200 to 250 beats a minute.
• An average ferret will live approximately 8-years.
• Ferrets are most active at dusk and at dawn.
• Ferrets can be trained to use a litter box.
• Ferrets often express joy by doing a dance that’s been affectionately termed “Ferret War Dance.”
• Ferrets can catch influenza from humans, but they can’t catch a common cold.

Observing National Ferret Day

National Ferret Day can be observed in several different ways. The most obvious way to observe this day is for a person to go and look at ferrets at their local pet store, or buy one as a pet. If a person does decide on a ferret for a pet, they should make sure that they’re up to the challenge of taking care of these special animals and not do it on a whim, however. Another way to celebrate this holiday is by making ferret-based art, or by using the hashtag #NationalFerretDay on all of their social media accounts.