The answer is: Leviticus

Lev 11:30

In the book of Leviticus, chapter 11 provides detailed dietary regulations for the Israelites, extensively covering which animals are clean and permissible to eat, and which are considered unclean. Among the list of unclean creatures, you find fascinating references, including the ferret. While it might surprise modern readers to consider such a creature in the Bible, ancient texts offer glimpses into how these classifications shaped daily life and worship.

Interestingly, the term "ferret" has sparked discussions among scholars, as some suggest it could be a translation of an animal similar to the weasel or even a completely different creature known today. This highlights the hurdles of translating ancient texts, arguing about whether references answer our best modern assumptions or allude to different animals entirely.

Further, thinking about wild animals in Leviticus isn't just about cuisine, but also invites exploration into themes of purity, the environment, and stewardship of God's creation. Other animals in that list include the humble locust and the intriguing bat—reminders of God's diverse creations and the responsibility humankind holds.

More broadly, the concept of "clean" and "unclean" encapsulates the Israelites' covenant relationship with the Divine, setting boundaries that illustrate their unique identity amidst the neighboring cultures. Bees, for instance, weren't mentioned but are viewed as highly productive creatures. These classifications provide rich soil for discussion about community responsibility and the importance of nature's role in sacred texts.