I think about 5 or so years ago it became legal in Michigan to keep ferrets. I think (at least this is what I heard) that ferrets were illegial because of their possible inpact on wildlife. They assumed ferrets would get free from their homes and have an impact on wildlife species that are native to Michigan, but a ferret can't survive a Michigan winter! Ferrets are relentless hunters, they have a very strong prey drive, so they felt that native birds, rodents, and other smaller animals were in danger. I guess once they realized that a ferret would not stand a chance in one of our Michigan winters that they made it legal to own them.

I think it's fine to own one as a pet, as long as the owner is a responsible pet owner naturally. I think that because they have been domesticated for so long, I don't think they would stand a chance in the wilderness, no matter what type of weather.