How many black-footed ferrets are now in the wild?
There are now approximately 800 ferrets (as of fall 2008) in the wild in the USA and Mexico. This figure represents 20% of the numbers required to meet recovery plan goals. On October 2, 2009, there will be 35 ferrets released into Grasslands National Park of Canada. This will be the first of a series of annual releases. Why is it important to release black-footed ferrets back into the wild prairie within Grasslands National Park (GNP)? The overall black-footed ferret recovery goal is to re-establish sustainable populations of black-footed ferrets within their historical range. Releases have occurred in the U.S. and Mexico. The Black-footed ferret was once an integral part of the prairie dog habitat present in the West Block of Grasslands National Park. This habitat and the species within it are part of our national heritage. The return of this extirpated species is a source of pride to every Canadian. Why is Grasslands National Park such a good release site for the black-footed ferret
