December 2, 2005
Blackfooted Ferret Spotlighting Event
Master Naturalists! Here is an early, early notice of the next Spotlighting Event in March, 2006:
Thank you to all our volunteers that have made past spotlighting efforts a success. During the September spotlighting effort a possible 68 different ferrets were seen, 14 of which we were able to trap, eight females and six males. Out of the eight females, six of these were possibly lactating!
Fewer ferrets were seen during the November spotlighting effort, as ferret activity begins to slow down. A possible six individuals were seen, and out of these two were trapped (one male wildborn and one female recapture).
What is the background of this project?
The black-footed ferret is North America’s only native ferret and one of its rarest mammals. Black-footed ferrets live in large prairie dog towns, prey on prairie dogs and reside in their burrows. At one time, the black-footed ferret was thought to be extinct and is now listed as an endangered species. Several states, including Arizona, have reintroduced black-footed ferrets and Aubrey Valley is the only reintroduction site in Arizona.
What is the purpose of spotlighting?
Spotlighting allows us to locate released and wildborn ferrets. March is an excellent time of year to conduct a large spotlighting effort because male ferrets are on the move in search for females.
The ferrets are examined by a bio-medical team of researchers from the Smithsonian Institute and Kansas State University for genetic diversity and checked for diseases such as plague and canine distemper, just to name a couple. The males are also tested for sperm quality, which then takes three hours to preserve. This extensive effort will also aid us in determining potential black-footed ferret territories, so we can select the best area for future releases.
When?
The nights of March 20th-24th.
How many nights am I needed?
If you can make it the entire week that is great! We understand that it is tough to get away from everyday responsibilities, so volunteers that can only make it one night are welcome as well!
First-timers: Please arrive by 6pm for a short orientation. You will be teamed with experienced spotlighters, so ypu can relax and enjoy.
What is involved?
This practice involves the use of high-powered spotlights to locate and identify black-footed ferrets. Green eyeshine of the ferret is reflected by the light and aids spotlighters with identification. Numerous other animals are often observed, such as badgers, coyotes, owls, and pronghorn. Once we locate a ferret we set a trap on it so that it can be brought back to our bio-medical team for examination.
Skills and Abilities?
An interest in wildlife, enthusiasm, willingness to learn new survey techniques. Those assigned to vehicles will drive a set route throughout the night spotlighting for eyeshine. Those backpacking will carry a 15-pound battery and traps by backpack while walking several miles and recording locations using a GPS. Volunteers will be personally responsible for setting and checking traps. Backpack spotlighters will switch out with truck spotlighters throughout the night. Spotlighting will involve working from sundown to sunup.
What to bring?
Most importantly, dress appropriately for the time of year. It can be cooold. If you have any of the following, bring them along: headlamp, global positioning system (GPS) unit, hand-held radios, binoculars and a backpack large enough to carry a 12-volt battery and a trap. We also need vehicles; if you have a 4x4 pickup and would consider using your personal vehicle for spotlighting please let us know!
Where to Stay?
Seligman has several nice, reasonably priced motels, including the Aztec Motel (928) 422-3055, and the Canyon Lodge (928) 422-3255. There are also several other motels in Seligman and you would prefer the option of camping, we can help you to make those arrangements, but are unable to provide camping gear.
Interested?
To sign up for the spotlighting event or if you have any questions do not hesitate to contact any me via the information below (email preferred)!! Please forward this to any other interested candidates.
Please RSVP by February 15th as space is limited and include information as to whether you are interested in backpacking, spotlighting from a truck or both.
Thank you for your interest,
Adrianna Siniawski
Wildlife Technician
Black-footed Ferret Project
Arizona Game and Fish Department
PO Box 397
Seligman, AZ 86337
928.422.0155
Email: azferret@azgfd.gov