Karen: From your brief description of Winnie, I can say he's a match for our little tiger, Luci. She is a Manitoban ferret: A heavy little girl with big feet and a nippy, somewhat high-strung disposition, too. Luci also has coarse fur, sharp nails like a kitten's claws that never need trimming (she climbs walls like a cat!) and teeth like razors (two extra up top as though she needs them). She is a real doll, though, and a pleasure to have around. I suspect that the Manitoba ferrets have more of a hunting-stock bloodline than those of other breeders, whose ferrets are mostly descended from stock originally bred for fur (fake mink). These traits are all beneficial for an animal used to hunt. Will he outgrow his hard nipping? I can't say: Luci still nips hard, drawing blood accidently becouse of the sharp teeth, but then she was very badly handled and psychologically traumatised in the pet store where we found her. However, she is INFINITELY gentler and more loving than when we got her. I think Winnie will be fine in time but possibly may retain the same bitey-ness Luci has. BTW, I have taken all four of my ferrets from hell out over the week-end, but they have shown no interest in mauling children or killing cattle, not even when I find suitable and unsuspecting victims for them. Maybe they are feeling under the weather? Karl, Tamarah, and the fabulous furry ferret family: Jenni, Luci, Minerva, and Rasputin PS Should anyone REALLY care: Greater Pandas are bears. References upon request. [Posted in FML issue 1217]