Species at Risk

Black-footed Ferret

What is the status of the Black-footed Ferret?

In 1978, COSEWIC designated the Black-footed Ferret as a species extirpated from Canada.

In 2003, the Species at Risk Act was enacted in Canada. Under this law, a national recovery strategy for the Black-footed Ferret must be put in place by June 2007.

Why is the Black-footed Ferret in danger?

The main causes for the extirpation of the Black-footed Ferret from Canada are:

• 
  The Black-tailed Prairie Dog is the only known food of the Black-footed Ferret.
  © Parks Canada / W.Lynch / 08.81.10.01(01) / 1981
  Habitat loss
• Decline in prairie dog populations (due to habitat loss and efforts to eradicate the species, which is considered a pest)
• Fur trapping (particularly in the early 20th century)
• Poisoning by pesticides intended for prairie dogs
• New diseases brought over from Europe