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Ferret legging is a bizarre and extreme sport that involves putting live ferrets inside one’s trousers and enduring their bites and scratches for as long as possible. It may sound like a joke, but it is a real sport that has a long and controversial history.
What is ferret legging?
Ferret legging is a sport or a stunt that involves putting live ferrets inside one’s trousers and enduring their bites and scratches for as long as possible. It is also known as put ’em down or ferret-down-trousers. It originated in the United Kingdom, where ferrets were used for hunting rabbits and moles, and poachers had to hide them in their pants to avoid detection by gamekeepers. The sport became popular among coal miners in Yorkshire, England, in the 1970s, and the record holder is Reg Mellor, who lasted for 5 hours and 26 minutes with two ferrets in his white trousers. Ferret legging is considered a dying sport, but it still attracts some enthusiasts and curiosity seekers.
10 shocking facts about ferret legging that will make you wonder why anyone would ever try it.
1. Ferret legging originated as a way of smuggling ferrets for hunting
Ferrets are domesticated animals that have been used for hunting rabbits and other rodents for thousands of years. However, in medieval England, only the wealthy were allowed to keep ferrets for hunting, and the poor had to resort to poaching. To avoid detection by gamekeepers, poachers would hide their ferrets in their trousers and sneak them into the woods. This practice eventually evolved into a sport or a challenge among the working class, especially in Yorkshire and Scotland.
2. Ferret legging rules are simple but brutal
The rules of ferret legging are simple but brutal. The contestants must wear loose-fitting trousers that are tied at the ankles and have no pockets or holes. They must also wear no underwear or protective gear. They must then place two live ferrets inside their trousers and fasten their belts to prevent them from escaping. The ferrets must have all their teeth and claws intact and must not be sedated or muzzled. The contestants must then stand in front of the judges and endure the pain for as long as they can. The winner is the one who lasts the longest.
3. Ferret legging can cause serious injuries and infections
Ferret legging is not a sport for the faint-hearted or the squeamish. Ferrets are carnivorous animals with sharp teeth and claws that can inflict serious wounds on human flesh. They can also carry diseases such as rabies, leptospirosis, and salmonella, which can cause infections and complications. Ferret legging contestants often suffer from bleeding, swelling, bruising, scarring, and nerve damage in their lower regions. Some even require stitches or surgery to repair the damage.
4. Ferret legging was popularized by a journalist in the 1980s
Ferret legging was largely unknown to the outside world until the 1980s, when a journalist named Don Katz wrote a humorous article about it for Outside magazine. The article, titled “King of the Ferret Leggers”, featured an interview with Reg Mellor, a Yorkshire coal miner who claimed to be the world champion of ferret legging with a record of five hours and 26 minutes. The article sparked interest and curiosity among readers and media outlets, who wanted to learn more about this obscure and eccentric sport.
5. Ferret legging has been banned in some places due to animal cruelty concerns
Ferret legging has been criticized by animal rights activists and organizations for being cruel and abusive to ferrets. They argue that ferrets are intelligent and sensitive animals that suffer from stress, fear, pain, and injury when forced into tight spaces with humans. They also claim that ferret legging violates animal welfare laws and regulations in some countries and regions. As a result, ferret legging has been banned or discouraged in some places, such as Australia, New Zealand, California, and Virginia.
6. Ferret legging has also been attempted by women
While ferret legging is traditionally a male-only sport, some women have also tried it for various reasons. For example, in 2008, a British woman named Paula Woodman attempted to break the world record for ferret legging to raise money for charity. She managed to last two hours and 37 minutes with two ferrets in her trousers before giving up due to pain and exhaustion. She raised over £1,000 for Cancer Research UK.
Another example is ferret busting, which is a female version of ferret legging where women put ferrets down their blouses instead of their trousers. However, this variant has not gained much popularity or recognition.
7. Ferret legging has inspired other forms of entertainment
Ferret legging has inspired other forms of entertainment that are based on or influenced by it. For instance, in 2009, a British comedy film called Faintheart featured a scene where the protagonist participates in a ferret legging contest to impress his ex-wife. The film was well-received by critics and audiences, who praised its humor and originality.
Another example is a musical called Ferret Envy, which was written and performed by a group of students from the University of Virginia in 2010. The musical was a satire of ferret legging and its culture, featuring songs such as “Put ‘Em Down” and “Ferret Love”.
8. Ferret legging has a loyal fan base and a dedicated website
Despite its obscurity and controversy, ferret legging has a loyal fan base and a dedicated website that promotes and celebrates it. The website, called Ferret Legging Online, was created by a ferret legging enthusiast named Mike Hardy in 2003. The website features information, news, events, photos, videos, and merchandise related to ferret legging. It also hosts an annual ferret legging competition in Richmond, Virginia, where contestants from all over the world compete for prizes and glory.
9. Ferret legging has a Guinness World Record
Ferret legging has a Guinness World Record that is recognized by the Guinness World Records organization. The record was set by Frank Bartlett and Chris Gleeson, two brothers from Yorkshire, England, who lasted five hours and 30 minutes with two ferrets in their trousers in 2010. They beat the previous record of five hours and 26 minutes held by Reg Mellor since 1981. The brothers said they did it for fun and to honor their father, who was a ferret legger himself.
10. Ferret legging is still alive and kicking today
Ferret legging is still alive and kicking today, despite its decline in popularity and acceptance. There are still people who practice and enjoy it as a hobby, a challenge, or a tradition. Some even consider it a sport or an art form that requires skill, courage, and endurance. Ferret legging enthusiasts say that it is not as cruel or dangerous as it seems, and that it is a way of bonding with ferrets and respecting their nature.
Conclusion
Ferret legging is one of the craziest sports you’ve never heard of. It is a sport that involves putting live ferrets inside one’s trousers and enduring their bites and scratches for as long as possible. It has a long and controversial history that dates back to medieval times. It has also inspired other forms of entertainment, such as films and musicals. It has a loyal fan base and a dedicated website that promotes and celebrates it. It has a Guinness World Record that stands at five hours and 30 minutes. It is still practiced and enjoyed by some people today, who see it as a fun and challenging activity.
FAQs
What is ferret legging?
Ferret legging is a sport that involves putting live ferrets inside one’s trousers and enduring their bites and scratches for as long as possible.
Where did ferret legging come from?
Ferret legging originated as a way of smuggling ferrets for hunting in medieval England, where only the wealthy were allowed to keep them.
Why would anyone do ferret legging?
There are different reasons why people do ferret legging. Some do it for fun, thrill, or challenge, others do it for money or fame, and some do it to preserve a tradition or culture. Ferret legging is also seen as a test of manhood, courage, and endurance.
How do you play ferret legging?
To play ferret legging, you need to wear loose-fitting trousers that are tied at the ankles and have no pockets or holes. You also need to wear no underwear or protective gear. You then need to place two live ferrets inside your trousers and fasten your belt to prevent them from escaping. The ferrets must have all their teeth and claws intact and must not be sedated or muzzled. You then need to stand in front of the judges and endure the pain for as long as you can. The winner is the one who lasts the longest.
Is ferret legging cruel to the animals?
Ferret legging is controversial because of the potential harm it can cause to the animals and the humans involved. Some animal rights activists argue that ferret legging is cruel and abusive to the ferrets, who are forced into a stressful and unnatural situation. They also claim that ferret legging can spread diseases such as rabies or leptospirosis.
On the other hand, some ferret leggers defend their sport by saying that they love and care for their ferrets, and that they do not hurt them intentionally. They also argue that ferrets are naturally playful and curious animals, who enjoy exploring new places and biting things.
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