Dear Ferret Folks- Zoology is interesting to me, but I claim no particular distinction in the field. HOWEVER, I think we need to examine some of the central assumptions particular to this recent thread. Yes, I said assumptions. The biggest one, of course, being the identity of the reptile involved in these horrific events that we have recently been appraised of. The claim has been made that the ferret initially killed was killed by an alligator. Well, I have seen no evidence to suggest that the killer was, in fact, an alligator, and not a crocodile. The alligator, or 'gator' has a range limited to the southeastern U.S., and some parts of China. The crocodile, by comparison, has a much broader territorial range. Where did these alleged slayings take place? We don't know. In point of fact, the scant photographic evidence does not allow me to discriminate between alligators, caimans, crocodiles (American, Chinese, Australian, or Nile), and the more gracile garails as either the initial aggressor or the subsequent victim.. I strongly suggest that we refrain from taking any action until this matter is resolved. We simply do not have enough information available at this moment to formulate an appropriate response to this horror we have so recently been appraised of. Restraint is difficult, I know, in the face of such an outrage, but our strength as a community will sustain us, while we begin the long journey that is the hallmark of justice. Courage. Alexandra in MA [Posted in FML issue 5076]