Black-Footed Ferret (Mustela nigripes) Black-Footed ferrets are found in short-grass and mixed-grass prairies in the central part of North America. Eric Welsh

Other Facts The Ferret has a long slender body, about 20 inches long. It has a black mask, feet and tail.

Why the Black-Footed ferret is endangered. This Species is endangered because of exotic diseases and wide spread destructions of their habitat. Today, ferrets are making a come back; there are 500 Black-Footed ferrets today and 300 ferrets living in captive breeding facilities.

How many Black-Footed Ferrets there are in sub-species? 17 White-Tailed 194 Black-Tailed 40 Gunnison

Map of Black-Footed Ferrets

Threats of the Black-Footed Ferret In 1987, only 18 Black-Footed ferrets existed in their natural habitat. Scientists captured these ferrets, to initiate a breeding and reintroduction program. It has been successful! As of 2011, as a result of these efforts there are approximately Black-Footed Ferrets in the wild, and another 300 living in breeding facilities.

How important is the Black-Footed Ferret? They kill prairie dogs that carry plague and or eat grasslands.

How can we help this species? Captive breeding will help the black-footed ferrets from extinction and make sure they have enough food to eat and are away from diseases.

What problems do conservationist and wildlife have? They face threats from predators such as golden eagles, owls and coyotes. Reintroduced animals lack some survival skills so their mortally rate is high.

Citations of the Black-Footed Ferret Miller, Brain, Prairie Night: black-footed ferrets and the recovery of endangered species, Washington, D.C.: Smithsonian Institution, Press, c ls/mammals/black-footed-ferret/ ls/mammals/black-footed-ferret/

The Black-Footed Ferret (Video)