MAMMALS: OTTERS, WEASELS, AND SKUNKS

Black-footed Ferret, Mustela nigripes

Family Mustelidae (Weasels and Otters)

Size: ~21" with tail; ~2.25 lbs

Range: Throughout Colorado

Habitat: Prairies

The black-footed ferret is a rare and endangered species whose populations have diminished due to the extermination of its favored food, the prairie dog. It is shaped like a large weasel, with an elongate body, long neck and tail, short legs, and small ears. It is colored pale golden brown, with black feet, a black tail tip, and a black facial mask. Ferrets are mostly nocturnal and solitary, and hunt prairie dogs by slinking into their burrows.