I am surprised that anyone would travel with any animal in the car unrestrained (but I am so guilty of it!). This was a long, long time ago, but imagine if you will, driving down the road with a Southern Flying Squirrel loose in the car. He used to sleep in my pocket of my jacket. Well, that morning, he decided he was going to run across the dashboard and then, jumped on my face. Lesson learned. When I tried to contain him properly the next time, I learned another wonderful lesson - smart squirrels can unzip things from the inside, even travel pouches designed for them. I also wanted to add - the man with the ferrets loose in the car - yes he is being charged with careless driving. They don't say for certain if it's because of the ferrets being loose, but I know in Michigan, they really do seem to love handing out "careless driving" to people who have accidents, vs other states. I was charged with reckless driving once when braking suddenly on the highway, when all the traffic in front of me stopped. My car skidded as the pavement was slick and the car behind me hit me, but I did not feel it and there was no damage. I was hit with "reckless driving" and had to pay $3000 in fees to get it reduced to careless, which in Michigan is still a misdemeanor, and in Michigan, it never goes away on your record (no traffic offences can be expunged there). Am I saying he shouldn't have been charged - no; but I know plenty of individuals from my experience in the court, as well as friends and family, who have had to deal with ridiculous charges. IMO it seems to be a moneymaker. I am just glad his little ones are okay. [Posted in FML 7159]