As part of its efforts to protect the endangered black-footed ferret, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is working with the state government and Native American tribes to expand reintroduction efforts in Arizona.
Black-footed ferrets, which are highly susceptible to a flea-borne plague, joined the list of endangered species in 1967.
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service worked with Arizona Game and Fish Department and tribal governments to finalize a rule expanding reintroduction efforts in northern and southeastern portions of the state.
The new rule is intended to loosen restrictions, making it easier for volunteers to host ferrets on their property. Most notably, landowners will not face penalties if a ferret is harmed, provided the action was unintentional and not due to negligence.
The Fish and Wildlife Service said specific sites have not yet been selected, but there are several potential locations on private, state, tribal and federal lands.
