What historical utility initially favored the selection of white ferrets during the Middle Ages?
To make the ferret significantly easier for the human partner to spot in thick undergrowth
The historical reason for preferring white coats on ferrets, especially during the Middle Ages for hunting practices like 'ferreting,' was entirely utilitarian and centered on the human handler's benefit. In dense environments like thick undergrowth, the high contrast provided by the white fur allowed the human worker to keep track of the animal, minimizing the risk of accidentally harming the ferret while it flushed out rabbits or rodents. This created an evolutionary driver based on visibility to humans, starkly contrasting with the survival disadvantages a white coat would impose in a natural, wild setting where camouflage is paramount for both predation and defense.
