August 10, 2005
Volunteer for Ferret Spotlighting in August, September
Photo by M.R. Matchett published by USFWS
Volunteers are invited for 15-17 August, and 18-22 September nighttime surveys in Aubrey Valley, NW of Seligman. We are looking for AZ Master Naturalists.
See below:
For a program overview, go to this AZGFD Black-footed Ferret web page.
Volunteers should have a willingness to learn survey techniques, and the ability to hike for several hours wearing a backpack of about 30 pounds and remain vigilant throughout the night! Nights are long (sunrise to sunset), and some people will be asked to backpack portions of the night. Vigilance is key, as ferrets can be spotted at quite a distance, but they can also be easily missed.
Field Station Activities
The purpose of the June, July(already passed),and August surveys are mainly on population dynamics, such as how many wildborn kits are out there.
The September "Big" event has a larger, two-fold purpose: First, as part of a national research effort, experts will be assessing the overall health and genetics of our AZ Black-footed Ferret population. This will include looking at immunological function, morphology, and serology. Second, they will test for titers(antibodies) to diseases like plague, canine distemper, Tularemia, toxoplasmosis, West Nile virus, heartworm, and pseudotuberculosis. This extensive effortwill help us determine potential Black-footed Ferret territories and the best release sites.
General Background
Population surveys are conducted approximately monthly through most of the year, close to the full moon phase, when the ferrets are more active. Surveys, which run from dusk till dawn, use a technique called "spotlighting" that relies upon the bright reflection from the back of the eyes of ferrets (And many other nocturnal predators, also. We will have an entry in the future that talks about why the eyes of many animals seem to glow.) Using spotlights, ferrets can be seen at good distances across prairie dog villages. Once spotted, the teams try to trap the ferret (except when kittens are present) to confirm an individual's ID and assess condition. If the ferret is wildborn, it is anesthetized and receives a full physical, and a microchip tag is planted under the skin for future ID. After the ferret recovers, it is released at the same burrow where it was captured.
Volunteer Opportunities
19-21 July, and 15-17 August for volunteers already familiar with the project, including AZ Master Naturalists (especially those who attended the May Continuing Education Session.)
Another big autumn event will be held 18-22(5 nights) September and will be especially good for new volunteers as well as returning volunteers. It is not required that you stay for all nights.
What to Expect
Spotlighting surveys center on the full moon, and volunteer opportunities are more difficult to fill when the surveys fall midweek.
There are two types of survey teams: Truck and Backpack.
Truck teams will shine spotlights from both sides. When a ferret is spotted, a livetrap is set out for retrieval later that night.
Backpack teams go where truck teams can't. A 12v battey and spotlight is carried br each team, as well as traps.
-People can expect to alternate between teams to allow the effort to be shared more equally.
-Volunteers willing to use their own 4x4 pickup are also needed, if it can carry a team with lights, batteries, up to a half dozen traps, up to a half dozen ferrets,and other equipment.
-Dress for cold and wind. Carry two light sources, preferably headlamp and flashlight.
-Bring GPS and binoculars, if you have them.
-If you are spotlighting for more than one night, you can camp or use an RV, and several motels are available in Seligman. Two that are popular with volunteers are the Aztec Motel and Gift Shop, 928.422.3055; and the Historic Route 66 Motel, 928.422.3204 .
How to Contact
The AZGFD Blackfooted Ferret Field Station is located in Seligman at 307 E. Picacho St., click for map, and can be phoned at 928.422.0155 or e-mailed at azferret@gf.state.az.us .
The field station folks prefer you use e-mail.
Address your communication to Rob Lonsinger, Wildlife Assistant II, and Volunteer Coordinator. He will send you an e-mail with even more details and a schedule of the events that need volunteer assistance.
Please give them at least couple days notice, so they can prepare team assignments and field kits.
If you have continuing difficulty contacting the Field Station, contact Scott Harger.