Cops: Pet ferrets chew off newborn girl’s nose, part of her cheek while mother is upstairs

DARBY, Pa. – Authorities near Philadelphia say a trio of pet ferrets chewed off a newborn’s nose and part of her cheek when her mother left her downstairs in her car seat.

Officials say the month-old baby was attacked Thursday by ferrets that escaped a cloth cage while the girl’s mother went upstairs. Authorities say the baby was in stable condition in intensive care Friday after emergency surgery at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia.

Police say four other young children have been placed with relatives amid concerns about their parents’ ability to care for them.

Darby Borough Police Chief Robert Smythe says investigators found more food for the family’s ferrets and cats than for the children.

Smythe says police have asked prosecutors to approve charges against the parents.