News Release, September 10, 2001
CONTACT:
Jonathan Proctor, Grassland Associate, Andrea Poet, Communications Director or Sara Folger, Conservation Director (406)587-3389
John Grensten, at BLM’s Malta field office: (406) 654-5125
BLM and Predator Conservation Alliance Clean House for Black-Footed Ferrets
SOUTH PHILLIPS COUNTY, MONTANA: The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and conservationists will work side by side this Tuesday, in preparation for the arrival of about 20 black -footed ferrets, one of the most endangered mammals in the world. Predator Conservation Alliance, BLM staffers and others will don protective gear and dust prairie dog burrows located within the 40 Complex, a parcel of federally-owned land located in South Phillips County.
"We are so excited to be part of this effort, and to do what it takes to get these endangered ferrets back on the ground," said Angie Kociolek, one of several Predator Conservation Alliance staff members who will work with the BLM on Tuesday.
The 40 Complex, home to a dozen large prairie dog towns, will be dusted for fleas early this week. Fleas can carry sylvatic plague, a disease deadly to prairie dogs, the primary food and shelter source for black-footed ferrets. Sylvatic plague has been detected about three miles from the 40 Complex, and can decimate entire prairie dog towns.
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service will provide the ferrets to the BLM, which will be released into the area in October. The ferrets will arrive from captive breeding programs in Wyoming and from zoos across the country.
The 40 Complex is adjacent to the existing ferret reintroduction site located in the UL Bend National Wildlife Refuge. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and BLM officials are hopeful that the two black-footed ferret populations will be able to eventually connect into one larger population.
"The 40 Complex is essential to the long-term success of a black-footed ferret population in Montana," said Jonathan Proctor, Grasslands Program Associate at Predator Conservation Alliance. "The prairie dog towns the ferrets are currently on just aren’t enough to sustain a ferret population."
The BLM approached Predator Conservation Alliance asked for on-the-ground help to dust the 40 Complex. The agency must get the job done well before the ferrets’ arrival.
"Predator Conservation Alliance is pleased to have an opportunity to unite with the BLM on this project," said Proctor. "This is a solid step toward making ferret recovery in Montana work."
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