Volunteers needed<br>for ferret surveys<br>

The Arizona Game and Fish Department’s black-footed ferret reintroduction project near Seligman needs volunteers to help survey for the animals in the upcoming months.

Weekend surveys (three days each) will be held during July, August and September.

Black-footed ferrets are nocturnal animals so the surveys begin after sunset and continue through the night.

Fifteen volunteers are needed each night. Survey dates are July 14-16, July 21-23, Aug. 11-13 and Aug. 18-20. September dates will be announced later.

Black-footed reintroduction began in the Aubrey Valley near Seligman in a plains grassland habitat in 1996. Black-footed ferret activity is at its peak in the summer and fall months as young ferrets become active and disperse.

Game and Fish officials say it’s a great opportunity to work with Arizona’s endangered wildlife, learn survey techniques and participate in an important effort to bring back one of Arizona’s native species.

For further information, volunteers are asked to contact Angie McIntire or Tom Silvia at 520-422-0155 or e-mail blackfootedferret@seligmannet.com.