We have seen a deterioration in public attitude with respect to ferrets in the past few months. When we are walking with one or more of our house weasels we invariably hear comments about them being dangerous or even "child killers." One family in our condo complex even tried to have ferrets specifically banned when they saw us walking with one on our shoulder. Some people don't have indoor ferrets vaccinated against rabies - with the current public opinion it is probably unreasonable NOT to have your ferret vaccinated. --- On a different subject the number of surviving black footed ferret kits in Wyoming is now 38 (44 born this season). This is beyond all projections and searches are now underway to find other facilities to spread the breeding project (largely to guard against a disaster like a fire). The ultimate goal is to find a suitable range where re-introduction can be done when the population exceeds 200 captive animals. Should you care to donate to the cause write: Wyoming Game & Fish Dept Attn Black Footed Ferret 5400 Bishop Blvd Cheyenne, WY 82002 In addition there are unconfirmed reports that black footed ferrets have been spotted in Waterton Natl Park in Alberta, Canada. The reports are somewhat suspect and a long tailed weasel is reasonably similar in size, but this would be a major breakthrough for assuring the genetic diversity of the animal. Canadian officials are not allowing any interference (including live trapping with release after identification), but a group of scientists is now traveling to Waterton with cameras and image intensifiers for night vision. Steve Crandall mhuxt!evans [Posted in FML 0032]