Black-footed ferrets

Scientific Name: Mustela nigripes

Habitat: included eastern plains, mountain parks, western valleys, and grasslands and shrublands where the ferrets could easily catch a meal*

Diet: prairie dogs (primarily)*

Coloration: a yellowish-brown body with a blackish wash on the back, and the characteristic black mask, feet, and black-tipped tail*

Mating: Black-footed ferrets mate in early spring and unlike the rest of the weasel family, the females give birth to 3-4 pups (each the size of a mouse) after a seven week gestation period.*

Fun Fact: Black-footed ferrets are the most endangered mammal in North America.* For more information on what is being done to reintroduce the Black-footed ferret in Colorado, visit either http://wildlife.state.co.us/WildlifeSpecies/SpeciesOfConcern/Mammals/BlackfootedFerret.htm or http://www.co.blm.gov/lsra/bffwebpage.htm.

Source:
*http://wildlife.state.co.us/WildlifeSpecies/SpeciesOfConcern/Mammals/BlackfootedFerret.htm