Black-footed Ferret Stories

Newly patented technology helps save endangered black-footed ferrets
WWF, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and Model Avionics developed an innovative system to deliver plague protection for black-footed ferrets in the form of peanut butter-flavored baits by drones or all-terrain vehicles to prairie dogs. Recently, the team received a patent for the design—a first for WWF!
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Cindy and Harry Eisenberg on leaving a legacy for nature
WWF Magazine: Fall 2020Cindy and Harry Eisenberg reflect on the meaningful experiences that continue to inspire their support of WWF. -
Can drones help save the black-footed ferret?
WWF Magazine: Winter 2017What methods are most effective for distributing sylvatic plague vaccine to prairie dogs, the endangered black-footed ferret’s prey? -
Innovations (and peanut butter) give black-footed ferrets a boost
October 18, 2016An unlikely combination of peanut butter and drones has given biologists renewed hope for the future of North America’s rarest mammal, the endangered black-footed ferret. Biologists are helping these fascinating animals and their main prey—prairie dogs—fight a deadly plague by dropping peanut butter-flavored, vaccine-laced bait into their habitat.
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America the beautiful: a look at some of the country's most fascinating animals
June 29, 2016From bison herds in the Northern Great Plains to polar bears in the far north of Alaska, wild creatures need our help to not only survive, but to thrive. WWF works with the government, businesses, universities, local communities, and other conservation organizations to ensure we can protect animal populations and their habitats. Take a look at a few of these amazing species found in the United States
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Ecologies of Scale
WWF Magazine: Summer 2016 -
Returning black-footed ferrets to the wilds of the Northern Great Plains
WWF Magazine: Spring 2016With WWF's help, black-footed ferrets gain new ground -
Releasing black-footed ferrets into the wild
In 2015, WWF marked its third consecutive year of black-footed ferret reintroductions on the Fort Belknap Reservation in northern Montana. WWF and partners also documented both first and second generation kits— young ferrets—born to individuals released in 2013 and 2014.
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Nighttime Wanderers: Nocturnal Animals from Around the World
September 28, 2015As darkness falls in parts of the world, many of us begin to think about changing into pajamas and crawling into bed. But for some animals, the disappearance of the sun means their day is about to begin. Nocturnal species hunt, eat, and wander under the comfort of darkness.
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Prairie Dogs, Black-Footed Ferrets, and a Pilot-less Plane
September 02, 2015WWF and partners used a drone to map and evaluate habitat for endangered black-footed ferrets. Only about 300 of the slender, masked carnivores are left in the wild today. Scientists must monitor prairie dog colonies to determine current and potential new habitat for black-footed ferrets.
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Black-Footed Ferret Facts: The Masked Bandits of the Northern Great Plains
May 12, 2014Once found throughout the Great Plains, the black-footed ferret is one of North America’s most endangered animals. WWF is helping to reach this goal by restoring and protecting ferrets and their prairie dog habitat in seven locations in the region.
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Animals of the Northern Great Plains
Since 2000, WWF has worked in this part of the country to conserve and restore the Northern Great Plains' natural heritage and native wildlife. So which animals call this beautiful region home, and why do they matter?
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Managing Grasslands to Protect the Bison's Home
January 22, 2013A prescribed burn is part of WWF’s long-term approach to maintaining healthy habitats and human communities in the Northern Great Plains region, supporting native species expansion and reducing encroachment by invasive species.
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Saving the Northern Great Plains
November 16, 2012The communities and wildlife of the Northern Great Plains have not suffered the fate of the Dust Bowl on the Southern Plains. But threats loom—runaway oil and gas development, a changing climate, and agriculture policies that incentivize conversion of grasslands and wetlands to crops, regardless of expectations for crop success.