Black-Footed Ferret (Mustela nigripes)

The Black-Footed Ferret (Mustela nigripes), also known as the American polecat or prairie dog hunter, is a species of mustelid native to central North America. Shortgrass prairie, mixed-grass prairie, desert grassland, shrub-steppe, sagebrush steppe, mountain grassland, and semi-arid grassland were among the black-footed ferret's historical habitats. Black-footed ferrets use prairie dog burrows as thermal cover, a place to raise their young, and a way to avoid predators.

The long, slender body of the black-footed ferret features black outlines on its paws, ears, some of its face, and tail. The muzzle is short, and the forehead is large and arched. It has few whiskers and triangular, small, upright ears that are broad at the base. The legs are short and sturdy, and the neck is long. Sharp, barely arched claws are mounted on the toes. The claws are hidden by the hairy foot on both surfaces, which extends all the way to the soles. Up to 90% of the black-footed ferret's diet is composed of prairie dogs. The remaining 10% of their diet is composed of small rodents and Lagomorphs.