18 endangered black-footed ferrets released in northern Arizona

Eighteen endangered black-footed ferrets are now living in the wild in northern Arizona after state wildlife officials released them this month, the Arizona Game and Fish Department announced Tuesday.

Department staff and volunteers released the captive-born ferrets Sept. 14 at sites in the Garland Prairie, Aubrey Valley and Double O Ranch areas of Yavapai and Coconino counties.

The ferrets were flown in from the National Black-footed Ferret Conservation Center in Colorado, which the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service operates.

“Not only will it help increase the population now, but come spring, there will be more chances for males and females to find each other and reproduce,” Heather Heimann, the department’s black-footed ferret project specialist, said in a statement.

The black-footed ferret is North America’s only native ferret species, recognizable by black markings on its feet, tail and face. The species saw a sharp population decline in the 20th century because of habitat loss and disease.

The department is looking for volunteers this fall to help with ferret population counts to monitor their offspring.

“I don’t believe we could accomplish ferret recovery efforts without having a dedicated and passionate group of volunteers to help us get all of the work done,” said Jennifer Cordova, the department’s black-footed ferret project field coordinator.

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