We've encountered well over 1,000 ferrets since 1998 in our shelter.
Hissing here usually means:
 
1) Back off NOW!  That's mine.
 
2) You'd better put it in reverse and get the hell outta MY tube!
 
3) Get out of my hammock!
 
4) "Let go, let go, let go, you weasel, you... ouch, that's my
    neck/foot/butt-cheek
 
5) Go away- Can't you see I'm trying to poop before mom/dad catches me
   behind the couch?
 
6) Hey!  Mom/Dad, Quit trying to clip my nails!  They're not THAT long.
 
7) Put me down.  I don't wanna be petted/kissed/hugged- I swear I'll
   squirm harder!
 
8) That's MY piece of candy!  Finders - Keepers.  No, I WON'T let go.
 
9) I don't care if this hurts your hand/fingers/thumb-crotch.  I want
   to drag my human to my hidey-hole.
 
10) Hey, Hey..HEY!  Didn't you notice I was trying to poop down your
    heat vent?  PUT ME DOWN.
 
Those are our top-ten here at RFRL!
 
Marlene Blackburn
Director
Richmond Ferret Rescue League
www.geocities.com/richmondferretrescueleague/
[Posted in FML issue 5152]