Shreves, Dennis D. 1991. Back From the Brink, Ferret Habitat Survey at Wind Cave National Park. American Congress on Surveying and Mapping.

Abstract

Until the early 1980's the black-footed ferret, a native of the North American prairies, was regarded by many as extinct. In September of 1981 a few of these animals were found in a remote locale in northwestern Wyoming. After several years of close study a distemper plague ravaged than colony. The few surviving animals were trapped, and a breeding program begun. The only known living ferrets are now being held in captivity.

Prairie dogs are the primary food source of the black-footed ferret. Efforts have recently been initiated by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to locate areas of potential habitat within the boundaries of public lands. Studies are under way by the National Park Service to determine if it might be feasible to release ferrets into existing prairie dog towns located within the confines of several of their parks. In the summer of 1990 a survey was performed to determine the location, size and density of the prairie dog towns found within the borders of Wind Cave National Park in South Dakota. The results indicate potential ferret habitat may be available within this park.