Some would wander along behind you for awhile, until their attention was
caught by a butterfly or something along those lines, then they would be
quickly lost before you realized it.  Also, they would tire quickly, and
would have a hard time keeping up.
 
Alone in the woods, I give the average ferret 4-5 days, if it weren't eaten
or maimed by another animal.  In 4-5 days they would not be able to forage
for enough food, their livers would fail, they would get ulcers, and start
bleeding out.  A very horrid death.  Of course there are many equally horrid
circumstances by which they could die.
 
If you want a pet to follow you around in the woods, get a dog.  Or get a
ferret and leave him at home in the hands of a competant ferret sitter when
you travel.
 
-Anne
[Posted in FML issue 2129]