I forgot to give a reference which illustrates my concern about the
nomenclature assigned to ferrets.
 
Anonymous 1987 Pet ferrets illegal in California. California Veterinarian
(July/August)
 
reprinted: 1987 The Ferret 1(4):6-7.
 
Two excerpts of contention:
 
"The biological reasons behind this ban on pet ferrets are that ferrets can
and have established themselves in free-living colonies after escape or
release.  It is not in the long-term interest of California's wildlife to
have exotic, minklike animals competing with native carnivores and preying
on native species."
 
"Many non-native mammals are entirely prohibited as pets including the
ferret, or European polecat (Mustela putoris)." [sic]
 
It is clear from this position paper that the CDFG (Caifornia Department
of Fish and Game) considers pet domesticated ferrets and wild European
polecats to be the same. No research, no evidence, no study, no brain. Just
name = same.
 
I guess the CDFG conciders Sika and Fallow deer, wild boar, feral dogs,
feral housecats, various pheasants, and scores of fish, birds, insects and
plants to be native, even though many have the same species epithet as their
wild brethern, they have been scientifically documented as damaging to
native species, and they were imported from Europe.  Does this sound like a
Three Stooge's movie?  Will Dave and Paul bounce around the corner with big
grins on their faces?  Can CDFG be that dumb, or is something else going on?
Stupid or Sinister, you make the choice!
 
CA guys.  When your public officals stop listening, FIRE THEM!
 
Bug-eyed Bob and the Stupified 13.
[Posted in FML issue 1436]