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Black-Footed Ferret - Mustela nigripes

By Laura Klappenbach, About.com

Black-Footed Ferret - Mustela nigripes.

Black-Footed Ferret - Mustela nigripes.

Photo courtesy USFWS.
The black-footed ferret (Mulstela nigripes) is North America's most endangered mammal. Black-footed ferrets have light yellow-buff fur and a pale underside, a white face, snout and throat, and black feet. They also have a black mask around their eyes.
  • Mass:
  • Body Length:
  • Tail Length:
  • Shoulder Height:
  • Diet: prairie dogs, mice, squirrels and other small mammals
  • Breeding Season:
  • Age at Sexual Maturity:
  • Number of Offspring:
  • Predators:
  • Average Lifespan:

Classification:

Where to See:

Grassland prairies of United States, southern Canada, and Northern Mexico. Black-footed ferrets inhabit the abandonned burrows of prairie dogs in grassland and prairie habitats. Specific habitats include shortgrass and midgrass prairies. Each ferret requires 40-60 hectares.

References:

  • Burnie D, Wilson DE. 2001. Animal. London: Dorling Kindersley. 624 p..
  • Briercheck K, Csomos R. 2001. Mustela nigripes, Animal Diversity Web. September 29, 2005.

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