While watching the sun set behind the Juniper mountains on the western edge of Aubrey Valley in northwestern Arizona, I wonder if tonight will be the night to see the prairie bandit, which is also known by some as the black-footed ferret. Nearly 40 years have past since the first detailed observations of the only native ferret to North America were made on the grasslands of South Dakota. From these early observation, we learned ferrets are primarily a nocturnal animal feeding almost exclusively on prairie dogs. In fact, ferrets cannot raise their young or live in any significant numbers without prairie dogs and it is because this close relationship the ferret's dance card has been the endangered species list since 1967.
In the early 1900s, prairie dogs were classified as pests in many states and an extensive poisoning campaign was launched by the Federal government to eradicate prairie dogs from North America to make room for livestock grazing, crop fields, and cities. Millions of acres of prairie dog colonies, were eliminated from the grasslands as a result of this declaration of war. So efficient were the control efforts by 1961, people became concerned for prairie dog. However, the prairie dog proved to be a resilient species and rebounded somewhat in numbers. The ferret did not. So began one of the most intensive efforts to recover an endangered species. One that has a tri-national flare and is cooperative in nature. One that has experienced many a tragedy and shared a lot of success. And despite this monumental effort the dance with extinction continues.
The South Dakota population was studied for 10 years before it disappeared. A captive breeding effort was also attempted but it too failed when all of the ferrets were inadvertently killed when they were vaccinated for canine distemper. Extensive searches for the prairie bandit continued across the plains with none being found. Many thought the ferret had waltzed out of existence. Then in 1981, near Meeteetse, Wyoming a dog killed a masked weasel trying to steal food from its bowl and we had another chance to save the ferret.
Surveys and monitoring of the Meeteetse population began in earnest, and by 1984, it was determined there were over 120 individuals. But, once again the ferret is tripped up by fate. Shortly after this population high, it was discovered the old nemesis of the ferret, canine distemper, had reappeared on the dance floor bring along its friend sylvatic plague. While distemper worked at reducing ferret numbers plague worked at reducing prairie dog number. The last population of ferrets was quickly reduced to 18 individuals. In 1985, it was decided to bring in the last remaining animals and start a captive breeding program.
Although there were stumbling blocks in the beginning, the captive breeding of ferrets was quite successful. The captive population grew and was eventually spilt into seven facilities across the United States and Canada. By 1991, there were enough ferrets to return back to the wild. The first release site was Shirley Basin, Wyoming. Soon releases occurred in Montana, South Dakota, Arizona, Utah, Colorado, and Mexico. Today the wild population stands close to 300 individuals.
And yet, the prairie bandit is not yet done with its dance. Recovery cannot be accomplished without its prey the prairie dog. Across the grasslands, plague continues to decimate prairie dog numbers. Some still view prairie dogs as pests and they are controlled from expansion. Without more prairie dogs, more ferrets are not possible.
Shining my spotlight across the valley floor, I see the emerald green eye shine twinkle in the distance and as I approach it darts to the confines of its burrow entrance. Cautiously it exits but bounds back to the safety burrow. Its back legs bouncing to the tune of the cricket. Once again waiting to dance upon the prairie.
The black-footed ferret
is the most endangered mammal
in North America
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