1. Domesticated Ferrets:
* Europe: Ferrets, domesticated from the European polecat, were brought to America by European settlers in the 17th and 18th centuries. These ferrets were primarily used for pest control, especially for hunting rodents in barns and farms.
2. Black-footed Ferrets:
* Native North America: The black-footed ferret is a native species to North America, found primarily in the Great Plains. However, their population dwindled significantly in the 20th century due to habitat loss and disease.
* Reintroduction Efforts: In the late 20th century, conservation efforts focused on reintroducing captive-bred black-footed ferrets back into their natural habitats. This involved bringing ferrets from other captive breeding programs to establish new populations.
So, in summary:
* Domesticated ferrets: Came to America with European settlers.
* Black-footed ferrets: Are native to North America but were reintroduced through conservation efforts.
It's important to note that the term "ferret" often refers to domesticated ferrets, while the black-footed ferret is a distinct species.