Black-footed Ferret

Mustela nigripes

The Black-footed Ferret usually lives in prairie dog towns, where it sometimes sits upright looking for a burrow to raid. A prairie dog that catches sight of it will dart quickly underground. The ferret, keeping its body close to the ground, stalks the prairie dog's burrow and peers into the entrance. If the prey is near the surface, the ferret lunges for it. Otherwise, it slithers down the tunnel. This is the rarest North American mammal, and efforts are underway to save it from extinction.

Look For : A very large tan weasel with a black face mask. Nearly extinct.

Length : Body 15-18" long.

Habitat : Prairie-dog towns in dry western prairies.

Range : Parts of Montana, Wyoming, South Dakota, and Nebraska.