Ferrets hearing range

Ferrets hear frequencies from about 16 Hz to 44,000 Hz – a span of 11.4 octaves. Compared with humans (about 20 Hz–20 kHz), ferrets hear higher and lower – up to 44 kHz, well into ultrasound.

16 HzLowest frequency

44,000 HzHighest frequency

11.4Octaves

2.2×Upper limit vs. humans

How it compares

Greater wax moths Bottlenose dolphins Beluga whales Bats Mice Rats Cats Opossums Gerbils Guinea pigs Dogs Hedgehogs Ferrets Sheep Rabbits Pigs Raccoons Goats Cows Horses Chinchillas Humans Elephants Owls Budgerigars (parakeets)Canaries Cockatiels Tree frogs Catfish Bullfrogs Goldfish Chickens Tuna

10 Hz1001 kHz10 kHz100 kHz

Shaded band: typical human range (20 Hz–20 kHz). Log scale.

Tones ferrets can hear

Tones ferrets cannot hear

7.83 Hz

Frequently asked questions

What frequencies can ferrets hear?

About 16 Hz to 44,000 Hz.

Can ferrets hear ultrasound?

Yes – their upper limit is above 20 kHz.

Can ferrets hear infrasound?

Yes – they hear below 20 Hz.

Sources & credits

Wikipedia – Hearing range (compiled from Fay 1988; Heffner & Heffner) · Approximate hearing ranges from behavioural audiograms (largely Fay 1988 and Heffner & Heffner), usually measured at 60 dB SPL. Individual animals, ages and studies differ.