To Sean: I think you need a different style harness. The type you're using is very easy for a ferret to weasel out of :) I probably wouldn't use a 50' rope either. 'H' harnesses seem to work best - I haven't had a ferret wiggle out of one of those yet, although the world is still young. It is a better made harness and fits more securely than a figure 8 harness - which I believe is the "string" type you may be using now. This is just my opinion, but I think you could be asking for problems with the 50' rope. Fifty feet is a long way for a little ferret - there could burrow holes belonging to other animals that just about any ferret could explore - if you're busy reading, your ferret could become tangled in the bushes and work themselves out their harness (as happened to you!) and be gone! There could be squirrels or chipmunks or such in a park that might cause problems. Another aspect is that of loose dogs - problems can happen quickly - if a loose dog were to come ambling along - or even thru the bushes your ferret might be playing in, you run the risk of a dog attack - by the time you get to your ferret, he could be seriously hurt or possibly dead - extreme, I know, but possible. Whenever I've taken my ferrets to parks or picnics, I ALWAYS bring a carrier with food, water, a hammie, and litter pan, in addition to a good harness and leash. If I'm walking my ferret around, I concentrate on the ferret. There are devices you can use if you want to read and let your ferret play - there are collapsable playpen type structures now that will contain your ferret but allow him to play - of course in a park, remember to keep it in the shade. Or bring someone with you who can walk your ferret on the leash while you read. Oh - another ferret for company is certainly not a bad idea! (But 2 ferrets on a 50' rope IS a bad one!!) Debbie Riccio WNYFLFA Rochester, NY [Posted in FML issue 1226]