Re: NY ferret license and NYC legality: As far as I remember, ferrets are illegal in all burroughs of the city. To get a license, write to: New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Division of Fish and Wildlife Special Licenses Unit 50 Wolf Road Albany, NY 12233-4752 The requirements for a license are quite strict; you must be able to fill out the application and have $10 to send them. :-) The license is good for one year, and they send you a renewal notice when the time comes. Re: gunk in ears Hershey and Nestle' had ear mites last year. The vet recommended Tresaderm, and the bottle says that only vets can distribute it. She said it was also necessary to clean out their ears with a Q-Tip. Since you have to see the vet to get the Tresaderm anyway, you will probably want to have him or her show you how to clean them safely. E.S., Hershey, and Nestle' [Posted in FML issue 0453]