History of the Black-footed ferret

Events

1964: A small population of ferrets are found in Mellette county, South Dakota

1964

1972: The found ferrets are brought to the Patuxent Wildlife research center all kits died

1972

1974: The last wild ferret in Mellette county dies

1974

1979: The Black-footed ferret was declared extinct

1979

1981: A small population of Black-footed ferrets were found in Meeteetse, Wyoming

1981

1984: The ferret population is now at 129

1984

1985: A breeding program was started by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

1985