BLACKFOOTEDFERRET.ORG

ON SEPTEMBER 26TH, 1981, A SPECIES THOUGHT TO BE EXTINCT WAS REDISCOVERED. IN THAT MOMENT, THE BLACK-FOOTED FERRET WAS GIVEN ANOTHER CHANCE FOR EXISTENCE. FOUR DECADES LATER, CONSERVATION EFFORTS CONTINUE TO WORK TOWARDS RECOVERING POPULATIONS OF BLACK-FOOTED FERRETS ON PRAIRIE ECOSYSTEMS ACROSS WESTERN NORTH AMERICA.

Blackfootedferret.org is designed to be a clearinghouse of information dedicated to the conservation of this species. Explore this website to find the most up-to-date and accurate information pertaining to the endangered black-footed ferret and learn about ongoing efforts to recover this unique mammal.

The black-footed ferret is a specialist predator that preys primarily on prairie dogs and requires the burrow systems prairie dogs create for habitat. This important relationship links the recovery of black-footed ferrets to the conservation of prairie dogs and grassland ecosystems across western North America. This dramatic photo depicts a black-footed ferret attempting to capture a black-tailed prairie dog.

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SPECIES INFORMATION

The black-footed ferret is a unique species with a unique conservation story. To learn more about this specialist predator and the recovery efforts required to save the black-footed ferret from extinction, select from our educational resource pages listed below.

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A COLLABORTIVE PATH TO RECOVERY

The conservation of black-footed ferrets is a cumulation of efforts by state, federal, tribal, non-profit, and private organizations throughout North America.

CURRENT
RESEARCH

Contemporary research on black-footed ferrets is multi-faceted and includes topics ranging from disease management, captive-breeding techniques, genetics, and survey methodology, among others. These research topics are primarily focused on overcoming the challenges currently facing recovery efforts for black-footed ferrets.

LEARN MORE

RECOVERY
RESOURCES

Various tools help guide conservation and management of black-footed ferret populations throughout North America. These technical resources are designed for use by wildlife professional actively engaged in recovery efforts.

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Featured Articles

A selection of featured articles highlighting black-footed ferret recovery efforts throughout North America.

DISEASE MITIGATION

Researchers work to develop an fipronil-based tool designed to kill fleas on ferrets and prairie dogs to reduce the spread of sylvatic plague.

CONSERVATION

Multiple public and private partners are running against the clock as they face yet another plague outbreak found in prairie dog colonies..

TECHNOLOGY

Elusive black-footed ferrets captured in drone videography for the first time during research in Montana.

For more articles, visit our full collection of black-footed ferret articles.

FERRET ARTICLES

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The Black-Footed Ferret is featured on:
"AMERICA'S BFF"
Episode 25 of PBS WILD HOPE SERIES

AVAILABLE JULY 24TH
Watch it below!

HELP SUPPORT
BLACK-FOOTED FERRET CONSERVATION

HOW TO HELP

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