The Black-Footed Ferret, Mustela nigripes, is a mustelid species native to North America; it is also known as the American polecat. Due to its small and restricted populations, it is listed as an endangered species by the IUCN. The main differentiation between the black-footed ferret and the European polecat, is the American polecat has a greater contrast between its dark limbs and pale body, and a shorter black tail-tip length. The species is largely nocturnal and solitary with exception of when breeding and raising litters. 91% of its diet is prairie dogs.
The Black-Footed Ferret has a body length in the range of 13”-18.1” (33-46 cm) and total weight of 1.3-3.1 lb (.6-1.4 kg). Black-Footed Ferrets have a shoulder height between 3.9”-5.9” (10-15 cm), body width of 2.6”-3.5” (6.5-9 cm), and tail length of 4.3”-5.1” (11-13 cm). The typical lifespan of the Black-Footed Ferret is between 4-9 years.
The Black-Footed Ferret, Mustela nigripes, is a mustelid species native to North America; it is also known as the American polecat. Due to its small and restricted populations, it is listed as an endangered species by the IUCN. The main differentiation between the black-footed ferret and the European polecat, is the American polecat has a greater contrast between its dark limbs and pale body, and a shorter black tail-tip length. The species is largely nocturnal and solitary with exception of when breeding and raising litters. 91% of its diet is prairie dogs.
The Black-Footed Ferret has a body length in the range of 13”-18.1” (33-46 cm) and total weight of 1.3-3.1 lb (.6-1.4 kg). Black-Footed Ferrets have a shoulder height between 3.9”-5.9” (10-15 cm), body width of 2.6”-3.5” (6.5-9 cm), and tail length of 4.3”-5.1” (11-13 cm). The typical lifespan of the Black-Footed Ferret is between 4-9 years.
