French Fry-Loving Ferret Gets TLC After Abandonment In Banning

BANNING, CA — A caged ferret apparently kept as a pet was dumped outside Banning City Hall Tuesday, where the small mammal was found in a crate with a pile of French fries, which animal control officers soon learned was its favorite treat.

The critter was discovered Tuesday morning by city workers, who quickly called on the Riverside County Department of Animal Services to assist. Agency spokesman John Welsh said officials reviewed video surveillance to discover that the the brown-and-white weasel-like creature had been dropped in front of the municipal building at 99 E. Ramsey St. about 2:30 a.m.

"The biggest thing we noticed is that it stunk," Banning City Manager Doug Schulze said.

The malodor did not stop workers from treating the animal "lovingly and humanely," Welsh said.

"One employee wrapped the critter in a towel," he said.

Animal control officers found a load of French fries with the ferret and fed them to it.

"Apparently, the ferret loves french fries," Department of Animal Services Officer Eric Mangum said. "Whoever abandoned the animal left bunches of fries. They look like McDonald’s french fries."

The animal is now awaiting its next home — not to be a residential one.

"Ferrets are illegal to own in California," Welsh said. "Officer Mangum is working with a warden with the state Department of Fish & Wildlife to find a suitable rescue organization to care for the animal."

In the meantime, the ferret was taken to the Western Riverside County Animal Shelter in Jurupa Valley, according to Welsh.

— City News Service contributed to this report