Little Dragon The hypothesis is that domestication is responsible for that "fast alert" mode not being in the domestic Ferrets. Ferret's are related to mink, who also SND, but if a mink feels threatened it awakens quickly and with a vengence. The black-footed ferret is the most endangered mammal in North America. FYI that you probably really did not want to know (LOL) but I was curious and asked at work today.