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on the area (peregrine falcon and bald eagle) . In addition, the potential 

 existed for the occurrence of the black-footed ferret on this area. A brief 

 discussion of these species is presented below. 



Black-footed Ferret (Mustela nigripes) - Reliance of the black-footed ferret 

 on prairie dogs was documented by Henderson et al. (1974) and others. The 

 density and distribtuion of prairie dog towns and the relative isolation of 

 the area contributes to the possibility of ferrets occurring here. Time was 

 spent during the study in the active search of prairie dog towns for ferrets 

 and evidence of ferret activity (trenches, plugged burrows, etc.). No positive 

 sign was located, nor were any individuals observed. More intensive work will 

 be required to document their occurrence on this area. For any ferret manage- 

 ment program to be successful, the ecological needs and biology of prairie dogs 

 must first be evaluated. Problems with prairie dog management were discussed 

 earlier in this report. A generally negative attitude towards ferrets was 

 expressed by landowners of the study area (data from questionnaire returns and 

 personal interviews). The attitudes are not the result of any dislike of 

 ferrets per se but have developed from fear of political fallout if a ferret 

 sighting occurred in this area. For a ferret management program to be success- 

 ful, these fears must be allayed and the cooperation of the landowners must be 

 insured. 



Grey Wol f (Canis lupus) - In the period before settlement grey wolves were 

 common on this area. The situation changed dramatically with the destruction 

 of the bison herds and the introduction of domestic livestock. Concurrent with 

 this change a great deal of control was exerted on wolves and other predators in 

 this area. Control measures ranged from shooting and trapping to poison baits. 

 Adverse affects of these baits on wolves and other species, most notably the 

 raptorial birds, were noted by Cameron (1907, 1908). By the early 1900's the 

 wolves in the area were under control and, in fact, declining rapidly. Presented 

 below are bounty claims for Prairie County and excerpts from the Terry Tribune 

 which tell the story of the wolf's last years in this area (data compiled by 

 Ken Hamlin). 



Bounty claims for Prairie County, from the County Courthouse 



May 10-Dec. 7, 1915 6 adults and 1 pup 



Full year 1916 8 adults and 10 pups 



Full year 1917 6 adults 



Full year 1918 1 adult 



Full year 1919 2 adults 



Full year 1920 4 adults 



Full year 1921 1 adult 



Full year 1922 1 adult 



Jan. -May 1923 bounty ended at this time 



Terry Tribune: 



1910 - 6 wolves reported in the Red Hills. 



