Endangered black-footed ferrets released into northern Arizona

Eighteen endangered black-footed ferrets were released by state wildlife officials into northern Arizona in September. The ferrets were released in sites in the Garland Prairie, Aubrey Valley and Double O Ranch areas of Yavapai and Coconino counties.

The black-footed ferret is North America’s only native ferret species. The species saw a sharp population decline in the 20th century due to habitat loss and disease.

Holly Hicks, Arizona Game and Fish Department’s Small Mammal Projects Coordinator, joined “Arizona Horizon” to share the importance of these animals in Arizona ecosystems.