[      Hello there. . . I'm looking for ideas for a simple experiment
involving ferrets. Maybe something in the realm of ferret behavior in the
wild as opposed to in captivity (or in a pet situation).
 .......
 
                                        Many Smiles,    --Amy  ]
 
Hi, Amy. I live in Ft. Collins, CO. About 2 miles down the road is the CSU
Vet. Center, who administers the Black-Footed Ferret release program, along
with the CO Dept of Wildlife, and the Wyoming DOW. They are *very* protective
about the animals that they have, obviously due to the scarcity. For
instance, they are in the Cheyenne Mtn. Zoo, in Colo. Springs, as well as
near Pueblo, CO. However, the public is not even allowed to see these
critters, as they are afraid that any contact with people could have bad
effects.  For example, the BFF's go sterile after a few litters in captivity.
They don't know why. They are talking about some releases into the generous
Ft. Collins area prairie dog communities of the sterile individuals, in hopes
that they may become fertile again. Hope they do - to many 'dogs here.
 
If you are really set on this, try comparing the European Polecats to ours.
They are very closely related, and may be the same critters, according to
some.
 
Good luck, Carl
[Posted in FML issue 1002]