New batch of endangered black-footed ferrets released in northern Arizona

Arizona Game and Fish Department sent this bulletin at 09/22/2026 12:09 PM MST

September 22, 2026

New batch of endangered black-footed ferrets released in northern Arizona

Volunteer opportunities available to help support recovery efforts.

black-footed ferret near prairie dog burrow

SELIGMAN, Ariz.– Eighteen endangered black-footed ferrets have new homes in Yavapai and Coconino counties this week after the Arizona Game and Fish Department (AZGFD) released a group of the captive-born critters onto the landscape to join the wild population.

On the evening of Sept. 14, AZGFD staff and volunteers released the endangered ferrets at sites in the Garland Prairie and Aubrey Valley/Double O Ranch areas in northern Arizona.

The ferrets arrived in Seligman by plane earlier that day from the National Black-footed Ferret Conservation Center in Colorado, which is operated by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. At the Conservation Center, the captive-born ferrets learned to hunt and survive in the wild before making their final journey to Arizona.

"The release of these ferrets is extremely important. Not only will it help increase the population now, but come spring, there will be more chances for males and females to find each other and reproduce. This will allow more ferrets to be born in the wild,” said Heather Heimann, AZGFD black-footed ferret project specialist.

“We would love to see our population continue to grow long into the future, and the ferrets we released this month allow it to do just that,” said Heimann.

The black-footed ferret is North America’s only native ferret species, characterized by the distinct black markings on their feet, tails and faces.

Once abundant across western North America, ferret populations plummeted in the 20th century due to habitat loss and disease. The biggest threat to black-footed ferret recovery continues to be sylvatic plague, a bacterial disease carried by fleas that infects both the ferrets and their main prey, Gunnison’s prairie dogs.

Are you interested in getting involved in black-footed ferret recovery efforts in Arizona?

This fall, AZGFD is seeking volunteers to support spotlighting efforts and population counts to help monitor the ferrets and their offspring.

"Our volunteers are invaluable in helping the department with ferret recovery. We rely on them to assist with ferret releases, spotlighting surveys, disease studies and treatments, and prairie dog surveys,” said Jennifer Cordova, AZGFD black-footed ferret project field coordinator.

“I don't believe we could accomplish ferret recovery efforts without having a dedicated and passionate group of volunteers to help us get all of the work done," said Cordova.

For more information on this volunteer opportunities and others, visit volunteer.azgfd.gov.

###

The Arizona Game and Fish Department (AGFD) prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, or disability in its programs and activities. This agency receives Federal financial assistance from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Under Title VI of the 1964 Civil Rights Act, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, the Age Discrimination Act of 1975, and Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972. The U.S. Department of the Interior prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, sex, or disability. If anyone believes that they have been discriminated against in any of the AGFD’s programs or activities, including its employment practices, the individual may file a complaint alleging discrimination directly with the AGFD Ombudsman, 5000 W. Carefree Highway, Phoenix, AZ 85086, (623) 236-7373 or Office of Civil Rights, Department of the Interior, 1849 C Street, NW, Washington, D.C. 20240.

Stay Connected with the Arizona Game and Fish Department:

SUBSCRIBER SERVICES:
Manage Subscriptions | Unsubscribe All | Help