BLACK-FOOTED FERRET Mustela nigripes (Audubon and Bachman) 



Order: CARNIVORA Family: MUSTELIDAE 



Distinguishing characteristics : A large weasel with black feet and face mask. 



Present distribution : Western North and South Dakota to northern Montana and 

 Alberta, south to Texas and central New Mexico. 



Former distribution : Great Plains, Alberta and Saskatchewan to Texas and Arizona, 

 to 10,500 feet in the Rockies; in association with prairie dogs. 



Status : Very few observations have been reported . The species apparently never 

 was abundant. 



Estimated numbers : Since 1955, confirmed sightings have been made in 26 counties in 

 South Dakota, one (Burleigh) in North Dakota, one in Nebraska, one in Texas, one in 

 Wyoming, and one (possibly two) in Colorado. 



Breeding rate in the wild : Probably one litter of 4 to 5 young . 



Reasons for decline : Significant data are not available on population history of the 

 black-footed ferret. If a decline is to be assumed, the following causes are likely: 

 elimination of natural prey and den holes; destruction of original grasslands; shot by 

 people hunting prairie dogs for sport; possibility of disease, particularily distemper; 

 since 1955 eleven road kills have been reported. 



Protective measures already taken : Protected by law in some States. Life history and 

 ecology studies of individuals in the wild are underway by South Dakota Cooperative 

 Wildlife Research Unit and the National Park Service , and also by the Bureau of Sport 

 Fisheries and Wildlife. Prairie dog towns must be determined to be "ferret free" before 

 the Bureau undertakes damage suppression measures. "Sikes Act Agreement" signed 

 with South Dakota Department of Game , Fish and Parks and Defense Department to 

 protect ferrets on 42,000-acre Air Force Aerial Gunnery Range. 



Measures proposed : Legal protection; preservation of grassland habitat and of prairie 

 dog towns where ferrets are present. Establishment in sanctuaries (Wind Cave National 

 Park, South Dakota; Theodore Roosevelt National Memorial Park, North Dakota; and 

 Charles M. Russell National Wildlife Range, Montana, have been suggested) . Attempt to 

 bring more into captivity for breeding purposes . 



Number in captivity : Three; 2 males and 1 female (December 1972) . 



Breeding potential in captivity : Unknown . 



Remarks : Research into the animal's status, life history, and ecology is being conducted 

 by the Bureau of Sport Fisheries and Wildlife throughout its entire former range. 



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