Black-footed ferret

The black-footed ferret (Mustela nigripes), also known as the American polecat or prairie dog hunter, is a species of mustelid that was once native to central North America. It declined during the 20th century, as result of decreased prairie dog populations and sylvatic plague. It was declared extinct in 1979, but a wild population was discovered in Wyoming in 1981. A captive breeding program launched by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service resulted it reintroduction to 8 US states, Canada, and Mexico. It is an endangered species due to this, but was listed extinct in the wild in 1996, before being back to endangered. It is near the size of a mink and is similar to the European polecat and the steppe polecat. It is largely nocturnal, except when breeding or raising young. Around 90% of it's diet consists of prairie dogs.