According to Colorado Parks and Wildlife, additional members of the endangered black-footed ferret species have been released in Colorado.

Nine ferrets were released last Tuesday at Soapstone Natural Area and Meadow Springs Ranch, with both of these locations found north of Fort Collins. These spots were selected due to thriving prairie dog colonies in the area, with this species serving as the main source of food for the ferrets.

The black-footed ferrets that were released were born at Toronto Zoo as part of its black-footed ferret conservation recovery program. Population numbers of the black-footed ferret were once so low that the animal was believed to be extinct, shocking the public when it was found alive in Wyoming in 1981. Since Colorado Parks and Wildlife became involved in the reintroduction process, more than 500 black-footed ferrets have been released in the state.

Known as North America’s only native ferret species, reintroduced ferrets get some practice at the wild lifestyle before leaving their artificial habitats behind. In this case, the animals underwent a 30-day ‘preconditioning’ phase in which they learned about how to survive the prairie environment.

According to the National Parks Service, prairie dogs tend to make up an estimated 90 percent of the typical black-footed ferret’s diet, making the presence of a healthy prairie dog colony crucial to the survival of these tiny predators. A report on the matter states that one ferret will eat one prairie dog about every three days – more than 100 each year.

While urban development and other predators can be threats that prairie dog communities face on a regular basis, plague is also a major concern. To help counteract this, Colorado Parks and Wildlife staff distributes peanut butter pellets laced with plague vaccine in the colonies.

Colorado Parks and Wildlife also “gave credit to landowners willing to support black-footed ferrets on their property for their crucial, unique role in the conservation effort.”

“It’s the sort of thing you dream about being involved with,” said CPW Species Conservation Coordinator Tina Jackson. “It’s due to the amazing partnerships and people. We’re super proud Colorado is a big part of the recovery.”

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