An endangered species is defined as "a native species that faces a significant risk of extinction in the near future throughout all or a significant portion of its range. Such species may be declining in number due to threats such as habitat destruction, climate change, or pressure from invasive species" (Endangered Species). In an ever changing world we live in, we gain many aspects that are positive through conservation and protection. Sadly, we are destroying more than we are gaining. In the past century, our planet has grown from 1.75 billion to 7 billion people. As our planet gets bigger and bigger we are destroying more of our resources. These sources consist of oil, food, and species. Of the many species we have seen diminish, such as elephants, Rhinos, and Tigers, other species are not as getting as much credit and are also disappearing. One of these species is the Black-Footed Ferret. Through conservation efforts from the past thirty years the native ferret is making a slow rise in population. Without these ferrets, we are losing the only native weasel species in North America, and is essential to grassland ecosystems which they depend on (Black-Footed Ferret).
Ferrets evolved from weasel-like ancestors 3 and 4 million years ago in Europe. They traveled to North America from the Bering Land Bridge. It is speculated that this species has been present in North America for at least 100,000 years and diverged from Siberia between .5 and 2 million years ago( History of the Black-footed Ferret). Today, the Black-Footed Ferret is the only Native North American Ferret. They range from southern Canada to northern Mexico across the Great Plains. The species has a tan body with black legs and feet, a black mask and black tip on its tail. From nose to tail it measures 1½ feet long. Its short legs and large paws are perfect for digging holes. They live in burrows dug by prairie dogs which are 90% of its diet (Basic Facts About Black-Footed Ferrets).