The black-footed ferret is a mammal in the Mustelidae family. Mustelidae also includes weasels, badgers and otters.Animal Diversity Web: Family Mustelidae The black-footed ferret has been on the endangered species list since March 11, 1967, when development reduced the population of prairie dogs. This eliminated the ferret's primary food source.Texas Parks And Wildlife: Black-Footed Ferret

The black-footed ferret has a long, thin body that is similar to a weasel's, and a distinctive black mask on its face.National Geographic: Black-Footed Ferret Its fur is white on the forehead and throat and black on its feet. Males are larger than females by as much as ten percent.Animal Diversity Web: Black-Footed Ferret

The black-footed ferret is nocturnal, with peak activity occurring around dusk. During the winter months, it is much less active and may remain underground for as long as a week.Animal Diversity Web: Black-Footed Ferret A black-footed ferret is solitary except during breeding, which occurs during a three day period in the spring.Arizona Game And Fish Department: Black-Footed Ferret With its keen sense of smell, the black-footed ferret can establish territorial dominance and retrace their tracks. When frightened or feeling threatened, it hisses and becomes very vocalAnimal Diversity Web: Black-Footed Ferret

The wild population of the black-footed ferret was down to 18 by 1985.National Zoo: Black-Footed Ferret With the help of the Wyoming Game and Fish Department, the U.S Fish and Wildlife Service and other agencies, the black-footed ferret was bred in and reintroduced to the wild in Wyoming, South Dakota, Montana, Arizona, Colorado, Utah, Kansas and Chihuahua, Mexico.National Zoo: Black-Footed Ferret Defenders Of Wildlife: Black-Footed Ferret