Ok, I don't have the adrenal post finished yet. I recieved *lots* of last minute stuff, and I have to rip the info apart and plug it in from about 50 new responses. Hopefully I'll have it done soon. Q: [Is] the black footed ferret and fisher cat...the same? A: Not unless prairie dogs climb trees. While the exact status of the Mustelidae is undergoing revision, especially concerning the skunks, most zoologists separate the weasels (members of the genus _Mustela_) from the martens (members of the genus _Martes_). This is done for genetic, biochemical, morphological and behavioral reasons, and the division is accepted the world over. Martens, including the North American fisher (_Martes pennanti_) and marten (_Martes americana_), are much better climbers (some have semi-retractible claws) and look like a cross between th small fox and a ferret. The larger ones are about the size of a house cat, while the smaller ones are about twice the size of a ferret. Both fisher and martin have very thick fur coats, making them quite popular in fur trapping, and indeed, they are closely related to the Russian sable which is another member of the marten family. Instead of the weasel's round ears, they have pointed fox-like ears. They have much shorter necks than a weasel, as well as slightly longer legs and tail. The biggest difference is in the behavior. Almost all weasels are adapted for an existance that allows expoitation of burrow or water resources, and martens, especially the fisher, are much more adapted to trees. In contrast, the black-footed ferret is about as close in appearance as you can get and still not be a domesticated ferret. All members of the genus _Mustela_ are weasels, regardless if they are called polecats, mink, ferrets, or weasels. All have a mask (mostly hidden in the mink), all have very long necks, and all exploit burrowing animals (The mink not as much, but can and does go after burrowing animals.) Since much of the natural history of the Black-footed ferret is lost, and since it is *so* closely related to polecats (and thus to our domesticated ferret), it is a fair generality to compare the fisher to our ferrets, with the understanding that I'm speaking in generalities, and trying to keep the subject on the topic of domesticated ferrets. Both ferrets and fishers are very smell-oriented, but fishers also rely on sight to a higher degree. Ferrets are generally poor climbers compared to the fisher. The fisher's ankles have extended rotation so it can descend trees headfirst; ferrets will generally back down if it is too high to jump. They have a slightly different dental pattern. Ferret anal sac secretions stink major bad; fishers are almost sweet in comparison. Ferrets are generalist carnivores, fishers are more specialized. The major difference is, of course, ferrts have behaviors (or behaviours for by special British friends) that have been modified through domestication, including juvenilization, acceptance of other ferrets as siblings, decreased teritoriality, etc. The wildest ferret can be returned to a loving affectionate pet, by wild animals will always be wild, even if tamed down to a specific person. Now, to get a little off-topic, the biggest difference between black-footed ferrets and fishers is one is a weasel and the other a marten, different genera, different hunting behaviors, different skeletal morphology. But both are clearly mustelids, so there is fair more similar between them than different. Bob C and 20 MO Musty Monkeys [Posted in FML issue 2187]