FOXSYLVANIA

– – We have learned from comedian Steve Martin about a sport called cat juggling, but did you know of another obscure but real sport called ferret legging?

Not for those who do not tolerate claws and sharp teeth near their, err, private parts, ferret legging involves having male-only contestants put live ferrets inside their trousers.  The winner is the one who is the last to release the animals.- – I swear that I am not making this up!  By the way, the world record for the event is an astonishing  five hours and thirty minutes!

It is speculated that the sport may have originated during a time when only the relatively wealthy in England were allowed to keep animals used for hunting, forcing poachers to hide their illicit ferrets in their trousers.  In the sport, competitors can’t be drunk or drugged, nor can the ferrets be sedated, muzzled,  or lacking a full set of teeth.   Trousers are tied at the ankles and belts are securely  fastened at the waist to prevent the ferrets from escaping; contestants do not wear protective devices or even underwear!  Two ferrets are then placed inside, and the competitor then stands in front of the judges for as long as they can…competitors can attempt to dislodge the ferrets from the groin area from outside of their trousers, although this can be difficult…and  yes, competitors are bitten and bloodied…one champion took to wearing white trousers so as to better manifest the blood!  Most males reading of this for the first time are by now probably either incredulous or squirming uncomfortably!

The sport has been practiced for centuries, but enjoyed a brief resurgence in the 1970’s.  Although described as a “dying sport” (we need not explain why), a national ferret legging event has been held in Richmond, Virginia every year since 2003…and participants can honestly respond in the affirmative when asked if they have a ferret in their pants!

(shudders)- – A sport I’ll never compete in, thank you!