Black-footed ferret (Mustela nigripes)

The Black-footed ferret or American Polecat is a unique ferret species native to North America. It has a distinctive black mask, tail tip, and feet. The nocturnal ferret spends the daytime in its burrows.

This type of weasel primarily lives in prairie grasslands to hunt prairie dogs, which comprise over 90% of its diet. Unfortunately, this species struggles with habitat loss, disease, and the poisoning of prairie dogs. 

Scientists once considered the Black-Footed Ferret extinct in the wild in 1987. However, conservation efforts such as captive breeding programs, reintroduction initiatives, and vaccination against diseases have helped prevent its extinction. Still, the latest IUCN assessments put the Black-Footed Ferrets in the endangered category today1.