August 15, 2006
Blackfooted Ferret Fall Spotlighting Event- Volunteers
Greetings, Master Naturalists
Thank you to all of our volunteers that have made past spotlighting efforts a success. During the March spotlighting effort a possible 118 different black-footed ferrets were seen, 15 of which were successfully trapped, 14 were wildborn (11 males, three females) and one was a captive release female.
Note date changes carefully.
NEW DATES ADDED!
New spotlighting dates have been added: September 7th - 9th. September should be a great time of year to locate black-footed ferrets kits! If you are interested and these dates work for you, please see the attached document. To sign up or if you have any questions, do not hesitate to contact Adrianna.
We are gearing up for our large Fall Spotlighting Event, which will occur OCTOBER 4-9.
The purpose of this event is twofold: volunteers are needed for 1) spotlighting and for 2) monitoring pen ferrets.
SPOTLIGHTING TEAMS:
Will attempt to locate and trap the Aubrey Valley free-ranging population of Black-footed Ferrets. Upon capture, the animal?s health will be assessed and the ferret will be given an injection of doubly labeled water for an energetics study. Injected animals will be radio collared, monitored with radio telemetry and recaptured.
Requirements for Spotlighting:
- Ability to stay attentive from sunset to sunrise while spotlighting for black-footed ferrets.
- Ability to carry up to 30 pounds while backpack spotlighting for two-hour durations.
- Ability to use or learn how to use a GPS unit.
Requirements for Telemetry:
- Previous experience.
- Ability to hike throughout the night.
Returning Volunteers:
Please arrive at Pica Camp gate (mile marker 123) by 7:30PM.
New Volunteers:
Please arrive at the Field Station at 6:30PM. Directions will follow in an e-mail.
***Please e-mail to sign up for spotlighting***
***As truck space is limited, if you are willing and able to use a personal 4x4 vehicle, please indicate this in your e-mail***
PEN MONITORS:
Six of the captive pen ferrets will be injected with doubly labeled water and their movements will be monitored and recorded throughout a 72-hour period of time, as part of an energetics study.
Requirements:
- Ability to stay attentive and record pen ferret movements above ground for a period of eight hours.
Pen monitoring dates are OCTOBER 1st ? OCTOBER 4th. Up to six positions are open for each time slot.
***Please email for details or to sign up for Pen Monitoring***
Times:
October 1st ? 2nd
6:00PM ? 2:00AM
2:00AM ? 10:00AM
10:00AM ? 6:00PM
October 2nd ? 3rd
6:00PM ? 2:00AM
2:00AM ? 10:00AM
10:00AM ? 6:00PM
October 3rd ? 4th
6:00PM ? 2:00AM
2:00AM ? 10:00AM
10:00AM ? 6:00PM
For background on the Black-footed Ferret Project, please read below:
What is this project?
The black-footed ferret is North America?s only native ferret. At one time thought to be extinct, the black-footed ferret is now listed as an endangered species. Black-footed ferrets live in large prairie dog towns, prey on prairie dogs and reside in their burrows. 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. 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 OCTOBER 4th ? OCTOBER 9th.
How many nights am I needed?
You can volunteer anywhere from one night to the entire duration of the event.
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 a ferret is located, a trap is set, upon being trapped, the ferret?s health is assessed and a passive integrated transponder (PIT) tag inserted subcutaneously. The PIT tag allows for individual identification of the ferrets. Some of the ferrets will be injected with doubly labeled water and radio collared.
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 30-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.
What to bring?
Most importantly, dress appropriately for the time of year. Multiple layers are best, as fall nights can be chilly, but you will warm up while backpacking. If you have any of the following, bring them along: headlamp, global positioning system (GPS) unit, binoculars and a backpack large enough to carry a 12-volt battery and a trap.
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 it is possible to camp throughout the Aubrey Valley. Unfortunately, we are unable to provide camping gear.
Interested?
To sign up for the spotlighting event or if you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me via the information below (email preferred)! Also, please forward this to any other interested candidates.
Please RSVP at your earliest convenience, or by August 30th, 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 and enthusiasm,
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