The black-footed ferret returns

Two decades ago the black-footed ferret population was on the verge of extinction in North America. In fact, the situation was so dire that even amidst the Cold War the Russians were willing to help with the United States’ captive breeding efforts (AP, 1987). Today, however, the fate of the black-footed ferret appears more than hopeful.

This success story originates in the Shirley Basin of Wyoming, an ideal natural ferret habitat which is also home to thriving colonies of their main prey, the white-tailed prairie dog. Reuters reports, as recently as 1986, only 18 of these endangered species were found living in the wild. Since this discovery, biologists from the University of Wyoming joined forces with zoos and researchers across the country and abroad to launch a reintroduction program. Fortunately local ranchers, who were eager to see the number of prairie dogs controlled, supported their mission.

Now twenty years later, after addressing reproduction issues and diseases affecting the species, nearly 220 descendents of the original 18 black-footed ferrets inhabit the Shirley Basin according to National Geographic News. However, some experts believe this number may be a bit conservative. Nevertheless, exponential population growth like this is almost unheard of for endangered species in such a short period of time.

Ferret reintroduction is not limited to Wyoming; five other Western states are also participating in the effort. Thanks to the dedication of many hard-working individuals and government funding, there are now approximately 700 black-footed ferrets in the U.S (Mott, 2007).