Supporters of the black-footed ferret – the most endangered mammal in North America – celebrated a small victory recently with the discovery of two wild born ferrets.  The Colorado Division of Wildlife announced the discovery of the pups as part of the results of their most recent field survey season.  This marks the second time the Colorado Division of Wildlife biologists have come across wild born pups since recovery efforts began in Colorado in 2001.  So far, 220 black-footed ferrets have been released in northwestern Colorado, and fifteen additional ferrets will be released in the Wolf Creek Management Area, a location selected for the existence of prairie dog colonies.

Unfortunately, the success of the ferret’s recovery effort continues to be marred by new threats from oil and gas drilling and inadequate efforts to recover the ferret’s primary prey – the white-tailed prairie dog.  In May of this year, the Bureau of Land Management leased the Wolf Creek ferret reintroduction area for oil and gas drilling, despite a host of experts warning against the move.  In July of 2002, CNE filed a citizen petition to list the white-tailed prairie dog as an endangered or threatened species.  On October 31, 2004, pursuant to a settlement agreement, the Fish and Wildlife Service issued a 90-day negative finding for the white-tailed prairie dog, despite mountains of evidence suggesting protection for the species may be warranted.  We have since discovered that a Bush appointee, Julie MacDonald, interfered with FWS biologists’ analysis that concluded that ESA listing may be warranted.  We will monitor the internal investigation and resulting Congressional hearings that will hopefully expose the full extent of MacDonald’s political manipulation.  In the meantime, we will continue to encourage FWS to do the right thing and provide protection for species like the white-tailed prairie dog.