Black-Footed Ferret

The black-footed ferret has become endangered because it has been hunted for its fur. Also, prairie dogs, its main food, are dying out.

In the 1960's, the only known black-footed ferrets were a group in captivity in South Dakota. When the last of these died, it was thought that they were extinct, until one was killed by a dog. A population of about 130 was discovered.

Many prairie dogs died, and many of these ferrets were killed, almost destroying the species. The remaining 18 were taken in to captivity. They have reproduced, and about 300 adults exist today.

Listen to a black-footed ferret
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