It was killed to near-extinction in the nineteenth century, and listed as 'endangered', then in 1981 it became a protected species.

They were far more numerous in Scotland, but now have been seen in certain parts of UK, and are on the increase.

I only mention this as it's also a Mustela, but I don't imagine one would make a good pet (although I may be wrong there). They do look rather sweet, as they have a face-marking like a bandit's mask!