After reading on fml that the sierra club was against the legalization of ferrets in California, I thought that this would be of interest to the californians, as well as others ---------- Forwarded message ---------- Date: Tue, 23 May 95 20:14:58 Paul: Melanie forwarded your message to me. I believe the reason is probably based on the fact ferrets have never been domesticated and many people (including myself) would prefer that they remained purely wild species (captive breeding being used only in cases such as with the black footed ferret which is near extinction but being reestablished in Wyoming.) In addition, many people who have purchased ferrets at pet stores have found that they did not get what they expected. Lovely to handle as a young animal, the ferret is often more than one can handle as an adult. I have left a message for Kevin Finney asking for information specific to the California situation that I can pass on to you. You may want to try to reach him directly in case I'm not able to get back to you very quickly. His phone number in Santa Cruz is 408-459-8346. I will be interested to learn about what's happening in California so please keep me copied on further messages. I realize this may have little bearing on your question (and perhaps your experience? with ferrets) but I thought it might interest you to know that a few years ago we had a controversy in my state legislature about whether or not ostriches should be considered stock animals like cattle. It was centered around the question of whether their handling in captivity (and for profit) should be the regulated by the Dept of Agriculture and Commerce or the state wildlife agency. Laurie Macdonald Chair, Endangered Species Act/Habitat Campaign 103 Wildwood Lane St Petersburg, Florida 33705 (813) 821-9585 [Posted in FML issue 1203]