Wildlife Preservation Officials Release Endangered Black-Footed Ferrets Onto Colorado Prairie

Once thought to be extinct, the black-footed ferret has recovered around prairie dog populations.

A black-footed ferret released on May Ranch in Lamar, Colo., on Nov. 14, 2024. Courtesy of Colorado Parks & Wildlife

Colorado wildlife officials continue an effort to reintroduce “one of the most endangered mammals in North America” into the wild prairie landscape.

On Nov. 14, the Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) orchestrated the release of three adult black-footed ferrets and 14 kits, or young ferrets, at cattle rancher Dallas May’s private 20,000-acre May Ranch outside Lamar, Colorado, with the help of Lamar Middle School students, CPW Public Information Officer Travis Duncan told The Epoch Times.