Road to Repopulation: Learn How Colorado is Saving Black-Footed Ferrets

Black-Footed Ferrets are considered to be one of the rarest mammals in North America, but the folks at Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) are working hard to change that.

According to a post from Colorado Parks and Wildlife's Southeast Region, 30 Black-Footed Ferrets were released onto the Southern Plains to build a colony and grow in population.

Get our free mobile app

What is A Black-Footed Ferret?

The Black-Footed Ferret is the only ferret native to North America and is currently listed as an endangered species. Typically Black-Footed Ferrets are 18-24 inches long and can weigh up to 2.5 pounds. They are characterized as having a black face mask, black feet, and a black-tipped tail.

Black-Footed Ferrets are considered part of the mustelids family, and while they may appear similar to domesticated ferrets, they are not the same.

Domestic ferrets are reported to have originated in Europe and have been domesticated for thousands of years.

Why Is it Important to Save the Black-Footed Ferret?

According to the National Black-Footed Ferret Conservation Center in Larimer County, there are over 130 unique plants and animals that depend on the Black-Footed Ferret being in their ecosystem.

CPW's Efforts to Increase the Black-Footed Ferret Population

CPW initiated a program to breed and reintroduce Black-Footed Ferrets back into the wild.

This is the 8th release site on Colorado's eastern plains. To date, there are believed to be approximately 370 ferrets living in the wild at these release sites.