I read the post on the web site that was mentioned a long time ago -- the deal with most of the mink that these people have at friendly ferrets are that they are ranch mink that have nowhere to go. Many colors of mink are becoming exctinct (I am not sure that is the absolute proper term) because of the lack of demand in the fur trade; the people at friendly ferrets take the mink and care for them. They are not wild, having been bred in captivity. I don't see the big deal in keeping them as "pets" because what's the alternative for a ranch-rasied mink? They certainly cannot survive in the wild, however unsuitable they might be as pets. Ed is a totally different story, but I can't see the problem with keeping even a wild mink that would otherwise be destroyed. It could be used as an educational animal, and I'm sure it's happier being with Ed than being dead. He does seem to take great care of the children in his charge. I'd buy a pet over the web if I thought the breeder was reputable, and friendly ferrets is a reputable ferret breeder, and about the only source of mink that I know of. Maybe if more people kept them as pets, less would wear them as coats. Melissa Mishka and Buttons (with, Tasha, Nookie, and Bailey waiting at the Bridge) [Posted in FML issue 2725]