National Park Service LogoU.S. Department of the InteriorNational Park ServiceNational Park Service
National Park Service: U.S. Department of the InteriorNational Park Service Arrowhead
 
 
Find a National Park Near You
Wind Cave National Park Black footed ferret
view map
text size: largest larger normal
printer friendly
Wind Cave National Park
Black-footed Ferret
 
Black-footed Ferret - Mustela nigripes
NPS Photo
Black-footed Ferret - Mustela nigripes
 

Class

 Mammalia
Order Carnivora
Family Mustelidae, weasel family (long slender bodies, short legs) include skunks, mink, otter, weasel, martens, badger, wolverine.
Genus Mustela
Species nigripes
Name/
History		 Came close to extinction in the 1970s because of the poisoning of prairie dog towns. They are in a captive-breeding program and were reintroduced to Badlands National Park in 1994. Reintroduced to Wind Cave National Park on July 4, 2007.
Size
Weight (lbs)

Male
2

Female
1-1/2

Young
 
Height (in) 15-18
Tail (in) 5-6
Mate Spring
Gestation 41 days
Birth June
# young 3-5
Age Unknown
Habitat/
Range		 Prairies/prairie dog range. In the past, southern Canada to Texas.
Food Prairie dogs (90% of diet)
Enemies Man, badgers, coyotes, bobcats, rattlesnakes, eagles, owls, hawks
Disease Canine distemper, tularemia
Communication

Chattering when excited.
Behavior/
Characteristics		 Mostly nocturnal.

You are exiting the National Park Service website

Thank you for visiting our site.

You will now be redirected to:

We hope your visit was informative and enjoyable.
A picture of Alvin McDonald in his caving hat.

Did You Know?
Alvin McDonald was the first systematic explorer of Wind Cave. He explored the cave from 1890 until his death in 1893.
more...
Disclaimer Accessibility Privacy Policy FOIA Notices USA.gov

Last Updated: August 30, 2007 at 13:17 MST