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Montana’s Endangered Species: Black Footed Ferret
October 1, 2013 | Leave a Comment
The Black Footed Ferret is one of North America’s rarest mammals after forty-five years on the Endangered Species list. After several plagues and historical diseases, finally the last eighteen surviving Black Footed Ferrets were taken in by biologists. Today, nearly 300 are living in facilities across six different states as well as Canada.
During controlled repopulation, some of these ferrets were released in Montana. Currently, the population has not been well established. There are still Black Footed Ferrets located in Montana scarcely.
Montana State holds goals with several endangered species organizations to continue to work on reestablishing the mammals’ presence. Goals include reaching the objective of wild breeding adults to fifteen hundred of these endangered ferrets.
Black Footed Ferrets have been on the endangered list since 1967. Careful ongoing efforts have prevented them from becoming extinct. This mammal is dependent on prairie dogs for their survival. By saving the Black Footed Ferret, we are ensuring the salvation of over 130 different plants within the existing ecosystem.
Montana is a spectacular place to visit when it comes to the wildlife which exists as well as the scenery the state holds. Although, it is rare to see these nocturnal mammals, it is possible to see them near their release sites. These animals are playful in nature and they love to check out their surrounding spaces of living. They love to pop in and out of their hiding places as well as do a ferret style of dancing!
Photo Information: This photo is provided by and given credit to USFWS Mountain Prairie – on Flickr.com with permission via Creative Commons Licensing.