Black footed ferrets are one of the most endangered mammals in North America. They are the only wild ferrets native to North America. They usually are about 6 inches tall and 18-24 inches long. They can live up to 3-4 years in the wild and 8-9 years in captivity. Twenty-four were released into the wild on December 20, 2007. In 1986, there were only 18 black –footed ferrets in the wild. Today thanks to reintroduction of captive bred ferrets, there are about 700 in the wild and 250 in captivity.
Black footed ferrets are mainly carnivorous and eat around 100 prairie dogs in a year. They raise their young , sleep , and eat in prairie dog burrows. They spend about 90% of their day underground. Black footed ferrets became endangered because of disease and food shortage because prairie dogs were consider a pest and many ranchers set out to eliminate them. When the prairie dogs began to disappear, so did the primary habitat and food source for the black footed ferret.
Black footed ferrets are mainly carnivorous and eat around 100 prairie dogs in a year. They raise their young , sleep , and eat in prairie dog burrows. They spend about 90% of their day underground. Black footed ferrets became endangered because of disease and food shortage because prairie dogs were consider a pest and many ranchers set out to eliminate them. When the prairie dogs began to disappear, so did the primary habitat and food source for the black footed ferret.
The black footed ferrets are on their way to recovery. In 2003-2006 wildlife researchers estimated that the population had increased 35%! But they are still endangered today. You can help the black footed ferrets by adopting one online or donating to organizations that are working to protect them, like Ferret Haven , the Black-Footed Ferret Recovery Program or Prarie Wildlife.
To find out more about black footed ferrets try out these links :
Smithsonian National Zoological Park (Watch the live Ferret Cam!)
