Black-footed Ferret
| Class: Mammalia:
Mammals |
Diet: Small mammals |
| Order:
Carnivora: Carnivores |
| Size: body:
38 - 45 cm (15 - 17 3/4 in), tail: 12.5 - 15 cm (5 - 6 in) |
| Family: Mustelidae:
Mustelids |
Conservation Status:
Endangered |
| Scientific Name:
Mustela nigripes |
Habitat: prairie |
| Range:
North America: Alberta to Northern Texas |
 The
black-footed ferret feeds mainly on prairie dogs, but these animals are
considered farm pests and large numbers are poisoned. This destruction
of their natural prey has caused a drastic decline in the numbers of ferrets
-- and their indirect poisoning. The black-footed ferret is now protected
by law, but it is still in great danger of extinction and its survival
depends either on the conservation of prairie dogs or on its ability to
adapt to other areas and prey. It is generally a nocturnal animal. In June
it produces a yearly litter of 3 to 5 young.
  
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