[ Hello there. . . I'm looking for ideas for a simple experiment involving ferrets. Maybe something in the realm of ferret behavior in the wild as opposed to in captivity (or in a pet situation). ....... Many Smiles, --Amy ] Hi, Amy. I live in Ft. Collins, CO. About 2 miles down the road is the CSU Vet. Center, who administers the Black-Footed Ferret release program, along with the CO Dept of Wildlife, and the Wyoming DOW. They are *very* protective about the animals that they have, obviously due to the scarcity. For instance, they are in the Cheyenne Mtn. Zoo, in Colo. Springs, as well as near Pueblo, CO. However, the public is not even allowed to see these critters, as they are afraid that any contact with people could have bad effects. For example, the BFF's go sterile after a few litters in captivity. They don't know why. They are talking about some releases into the generous Ft. Collins area prairie dog communities of the sterile individuals, in hopes that they may become fertile again. Hope they do - to many 'dogs here. If you are really set on this, try comparing the European Polecats to ours. They are very closely related, and may be the same critters, according to some. Good luck, Carl [Posted in FML issue 1002]