We have seen a deterioration in public attitude with respect to ferrets in
the past few months. When we are walking with one or more of our house
weasels we invariably hear comments about them being dangerous or even
"child killers." One family in our condo complex even tried to have
ferrets specifically banned when they saw us walking with one on our
shoulder.
 
Some people don't have indoor ferrets vaccinated against rabies - with the
current public opinion it is probably unreasonable NOT to have your
ferret vaccinated.
 
---
On a different subject the number of surviving black footed ferret kits
in Wyoming is now 38 (44 born this season). This is beyond all projections
and searches are now underway to find other facilities to spread the
breeding project (largely to guard against a disaster like a fire). The
ultimate goal is to find a suitable range where re-introduction can be
done when the population exceeds 200 captive animals. Should you care to
donate to the cause write:
 
        Wyoming Game & Fish Dept
        Attn  Black Footed Ferret
        5400 Bishop Blvd
        Cheyenne, WY   82002
 
In addition there are unconfirmed reports that black footed ferrets have
been spotted in Waterton Natl Park in Alberta, Canada. The reports are
somewhat suspect and a long tailed weasel is reasonably similar in size,
but this would be a major breakthrough for assuring the genetic diversity
of the animal. Canadian officials are not allowing any interference
(including live trapping with release after identification), but a group
of scientists is now traveling to Waterton with cameras and image
intensifiers for night vision.
 
        Steve Crandall
        mhuxt!evans
                                                                          
[Posted in FML 0032]