Someone asked what was meant by "Russian Ferret Fur".  I don't know by I
got me a theory.  The other day while talking to my Ukrainian friend, she
mentioned that her father has a ferret-fur hat.  I was very confused and
asked her to elaborate.  She told me that it is very common for Ukrainians
to trap wild ferrets for their fur.  But, wait a second.  I thought ferrets
were not found in the wild (except maybe in New Zealand).  My theory is
that this animal being trapped in parts of Russia and Ukraine are not
ferrets but their polecat relative.  When I mentioned this to my friend she
looked at me like I was crazy and said that the animal was definitely a
weasel, not a cat.  Thus, I have concluded that the Russian and Ukrainian
word for this weasel is translated into English as "ferret" but probably
should be translated as "polecat".  Thus, this Russian ferret fur hat isn't
the fur of our furry domestic friend, but of its wild polecat relative.
So, it should be called Russian polecat fur hat.
 
Anyone think that I am way off base?  Are ferrets actually running wild in
the Ukraine?  Or are these animals polecats?  Thanks!
 
Deb Adams
[Posted in FML issue 2888]