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Spotlighting volunteers still needed
Black-footed ferret recovery depends on public involvement

SELIGMAN, Ariz.- The Arizona Game and Fish Department is still seeking volunteers for the Oct. 21-25 black-footed ferret fall spotlighting effort near Seligman.

The Oct. 22-23 dates are full, but additional people are needed on Oct. 21 and 24-25.

"The weekends usually fill up first for obvious reasons, but we need some folks with a flexible schedule to help on Thursday, Sunday, and Monday nights," said Jeff Pebworth, wildlife program manager at the Game and Fish Kingman office. "It is critical we get enough volunteers in the field for this effort.

"We don't have the personnel available to fully staff these spotlighting events and the program's continued success depends on people remaining involved."

Spotlighting is how Game and Fish monitors the population of this small, endangered predator. Black-footed ferrets are strictly nocturnal, so spotlighting from dusk-to-dawn is the required method for surveying.

Twice thought to be extinct, a small population of black-footed ferrets was discovered in 1981. A mere 18 were left when captive breeding efforts began in 1985. In 1996, Arizona's Aubrey Valley (outside Seligman) was selected as a reintroduction site.

The reintroduction of these rare animals in Arizona was possible because of the state's Heritage Fund which, when matched with federal dollars, accounts for the project's funding.

Pebworth added that without the voter-approved initiative, which provides money through the Arizona Lottery, this effort would not have been possible.

Spotlighting is not easy, and Pebworth acknowledges that volunteers earn the right to brag about their participation in the recovery of this animal.

Volunteers must be able to stay attentive from sunset-to-sunrise, be able to carry up to 30 pounds while backpack-spotlighting for two-hour durations, and they must be willing to learn how to use a Global Positioning System (GPS).

Individuals can volunteer for one or more dates. A parent or guardian must accompany any youth under 18.

"It can be difficult, but it is rewarding," Pebworth said. "This is an animal few people have ever encountered."

Those wishing to volunteer, or needing more information, should e-mail azferret@azgfd.gov by Friday with "October Spotlighting" in the subject line. Individuals should indicate which night(s) they are available to help; include a first and last name, a contact number, and if anyone else will be attending with them.

Additional information will be sent following contact, including meeting location and times.

Volunteers should also note any of the following equipment they can bring: GPS, clipboard, backpack (to carry a 30-pound battery), headlamp, pen, compass, binoculars, walkie-talkies, 4x4 vehicle (please list passenger capacity), compass, spotlight (that can plug into a cigarette lighter), or a cordless rechargeable spotlight.

It can be cool during the October event, so individuals need to dress appropriately.

"Spotlighting is a critical component to this reintroduction," Pebworth said. "It is the only method in place to monitor the population, and volunteers play a huge role in this recovery effort."


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