Black-footed Ferret
Photo credit
Kerry Hargrove

Where can I see the Black-footed Ferret

Inspiring you to embark on an unforgettable journey, discovering the beauty and wonder of Black-footed Ferret in its natural habitat

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The Black-Footed Ferret is a small mustelid native to the grasslands of North America. They are about 33 centimeters in length and typically around one kilogram in weight. The Black-Footed Ferret is mostly black (hence the name), but has a white stripe running from its nose to its tail tip, giving it an appearance similar to that of a Skunk or weasel. It's eyes are yellow and ears black, and while it does have webbed feet they do not aid them while hunting, rather they use their sense of smell and hearing to locate prey and pounce on them.

The Black-Footed Ferret is very elusive and shy, only really coming out at night when ferrets can see to 20 meters underground due to the lack of light. Their preferred method of hunting is to sit above ground level in a burrow or grass tussock and wait for their prey, typically Prairie Dogs (hence the name). Black-Footed Ferrets are carnivorous creatures that will eat small rodents such as mice and voles, but prefer to eat Prairie Dogs. They will also eat insects if they can catch them; however it is likely that they do not see many insects due to their nocturnal nature.

The Black-Footed Ferret has short legs relative to its body size, so when chasing prey across open ground it cannot run after its prey at high speeds like other mustelids. Instead it chases underground through tunnels made by pocket gophers.

Animal population

300

Population
IUCN Classification

Endangered (EN)

IUCN Classification

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Best time to see the Black-footed Ferret

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Geeky Facts about the Black-footed Ferret

Fact 1

A strip of dark fur across their eyes gives them the appearance of wearing a mask.

Fact 2

Black-footed ferrets are nocturnal.

Fact 3

The Black-Footed Ferrets mostly chatter loudly whenever they have to sound an alarm.

Tours where I can see the Black-footed Ferret

Western Frontiers End Denver
Western Frontiers End Denver
Western Frontiers End Denver
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USA
Tour type
Tour Type
Coach Tours
Activity level
Activiy Level
2 - Light

10 days from

£3,387 / person

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American Parks Trail with Rocky Mountaineer Option, Classic Group
American Parks Trail with Rocky Mountaineer Option, Classic Group
American Parks Trail with Rocky Mountaineer Option, Classic Group
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USA
Tour type
Tour Type
Coach Tours
Activity level
Activiy Level
2 - Light

12 days from

£6,185 / person

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America's Magnificent National Parks - end Denver, Classic Group
America's
  Magnificent National Parks - end Denver, Classic Group
America's Magnificent National Parks - end Denver, Classic Group
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USA
Tour type
Tour Type
Coach Tours
Activity level
Activiy Level
2 - Light

15 days from

£6,309 / person

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