Bob Church is quite right in that ferrets are not wolves, and as naturally solitary animals, we should not expect them to have the same complex social structure that wolves have. Still, I am surprised by the fairly complex social interactions in my own small business, and how it has changed as the members have changed. In my first group of 4, there was little obvious heirarchical behavior. Everyone got along well, except that Caruso would occasionally get a "devil look" in his eyes and pick on Cookie. There was some deference shown to Belle as being elderly and frail, though deaf Buttons would ignore her squeaks of protest and happily bowl her over in play. All this has changed as the oldest two have passed and 2 young sisters were added. Now Buttons is clearly the alpha, though young Andi continually challenges him. Buttons is my Gary Cooper, tall and lean and kinda quiet. He never starts a fight, but never loses one that someone else starts. (Buttons is a good deal goofier than Cooper though!) When Andi tries to dominate by grabbing his scruff, he calmly kicks her butt. Otherwise, he is happy to play with any ferret he's ever seen. Cookie has become somewhat of a pariah. She hates and fears the younger girls, especially Andi, who will pick on her and chase her, though Cookie is almost double her size and weight. Cassie is an easy going little girl, but Cookie will sometimes go after her in a preemptive strike, though Cassie would never initiate an attack herself. The most amazing thing is when I see one ferret intervening between others. Buttons will actively protect Cookie from Andi, while Cassie hovers nearby wringing her hands when Buttons thrashes Andi. And and the end of playtime, they often all pile in one hammock to sleep peacefully together. Amazing critters! Linda Iroff Oberlin OH [Posted in FML issue 3940]