Black-footed Ferrets (Mustela nigripes)

Black-footed ferrets were once found on the prairie living in close association with black-tailed prairie dogs, the ferrets' main prey. However, by 1978 black-footed ferrets were officially extinct in Canada. Zoo researchers recently facilitated an international technical workshop bringing together experts on black-footed ferrets and related prairie species. This led to the formation of a National Black-footed Ferret/Black-tailed Prairie Dog Recovery Team, the first joint species recovery team in Canada. Zoo researchers are among the founding members of this team which is currently tasked with developing the strategies and priorities needed to successfully reintroduce black-footed ferrets and manage sustainable populations of black-tailed prairie dogs.

Photo courtesy
Ryan Hagerty/USFWS