February 1, 2008
Next Black-footed Ferret Spotlighting in March
Seasons Greetings to Master Naturalists
With a total of 80 volunteers contributing their time during spotlighting events, we were able to have a record breaking year for the number of black-footed ferrets captured and processed. During the October large spotlighting event, 31 individual black-footed ferrets were trapped; all were wild born. In March, 35 individual black-footed ferrets were trapped, making the grand total 66 animals for 2007.
Thank you to all volunteers; we could not have had such a successful year without you!
The Black-footed Ferret Project is planning another large spotlighting effort for this spring. With your help, we are hoping to make 2008 another record breaking year. The dates for the large event will be the nights of March 20th – March 24th.
Please sign up early, as space is limited and people had to be turned away last event. In both March and October, “no shows” took valuable space away from other volunteers “No shows” also cause us to have to rearrange the teams and vehicles at the last minute, resulting in valuable spotlighting time being wasted. If you are unable to attend after registering, even if it is the night of, please make sure to contact us as soon as you can, so your space can be filled. Email is checked at 6:00PM and someone remains at the field house until 9:00PM each spotlighting night, so please make sure to contact us via the information listed at the end of this email.
March is an exciting time to spotlight as it is mating season and this is one of the most active times of year for ferrets. Last March there were multiple ferret and badger sightings; in addition, two ferrets were seen mating! For arrival times and further details, please refer below:
TO SIGN UP:
- Please send an email to azferret@azgfd.gov with “March Spotlighting” in subject
line
- Indicate what night(s) you will be attending and who else (first and last name) will
be attending with you
- List any of the following equipment that you will be bringing: GPS, clipboard,
backpack (to carry 30 pound battery), walkie talkies, 4x4 vehicle (please list
passenger capacity), compass, spotlight (that can plug into a cigarette lighter),
and a cordless rechargeable spotlight
Spotlighting Teams:
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
Returning Volunteers:
Please arrive at Pica Camp gate (mile marker 123) at 9:00PM.
New Volunteers:
Please arrive at the Field House at 8:00PM. Directions will follow in an e-mail.
GEAR
– As gear can be a limiting factor for the number of people that may attend, if you have any of the following, please bring it for your use:
• Headlamp or flashlight (these will not be provided)
• GPS unit
• Pen (to record data)
• Compass (to record direction that trap is set)
• Binoculars
• Appropriate clothing (see below)
• If you are able to bring a high clearance vehicle (preferably 4x4) it is greatly appreciated, as it frees up vehicle space for others and allows greater coverage of the Aubrey Valley. Mileage is tax deductible.
Please RSVP at your earliest convenience or by February 15, as space is limited and people have already started to reserve their spots. Include the following information: whether you will be using your personal high-clearance vehicle and if you are interested in backpack spotlighting or spotlighting from a truck or both.
For background on the Black-footed Ferret Project, please read below:
What is the background of 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, with Aubrey Valley being the only reintroduction site in Arizona.
What is the purpose of spotlighting?
Spotlighting allows us to monitor our population of black-footed ferrets and to select the best areas for future releases.
When?
The nights of March 20th – March 24th. After training, spotlighting will begin and continue until approximately 6:00AM.
How many nights am I needed?
You can volunteer for one night or for the entire duration of the event.
Skills and abilities?
An interest in wildlife, enthusiasm, and willingness to learn new survey techniques. Those assigned to vehicles will drive a set route throughout the night spotlighting for eyeshine. Those backpack spotlighting will carry a 30-pound battery and a trap by backpack while walking a couple of miles to spotlight for black-footed ferrets. Volunteers will be personally responsible for setting and checking traps, and recording locations using a GPS unit. Backpack spotlighters will switch out with truck spotlighters throughout the night.
What is involved?
Spotlighting involves the use of high-powered lights to locate and identify black-footed ferrets. Eyeshine is reflected by the spotlight and aids surveyors with identifying and locating an animal. Once a ferret is located, the spotlighting team will set a trap in the burrow where the ferret was located. The team setting the trap will also continue to check the trap approximately every hour or until the animal is caught. Often, numerous other animals are observed, such as badgers, coyotes, owls, foxes, pronghorn, mule deer, porcupines, and skunks.
What happens once a black-footed ferret is trapped?
Upon capture, a spotlighting team will leave their route and deliver the ferret to a trailer parked along route 66. This will allow the team a once in a lifetime opportunity to view a ferret up close while the biologists processes the animal. After the animal is processed, the team will return to their route and release the ferret in the same burrow where it was trapped.
What do you mean processed?
At the trailer, the animal’s health will be assessed (vitals monitored) and the ferret will have a passive integrated transponder (PIT) tag inserted subcutaneously. PIT tags allow us to individually identify animals upon recapture.
What to bring?
Most importantly, dress appropriately for the time of year. Multiple layers are best, as March nights can be cold, but you will warm up while backpack spotlighting. Raingear is highly recommended as you never know what the weather will be in the valley. Also, be sure to bring plenty of snacks and water. Snacking throughout the night will help you to stay awake.
Where to stay?
Seligman has several 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 anyone that is interested in volunteering.
Thank you for your interest,
Adrianna
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