These little rascals were considered extinct at one time.  A small colony of 18 ferrets were discovered in the early 1980’s near Meeteetse, Wyoming.  They were captured and then bred in captivity.  Still on the endangered species list, it is the most endangered mammal in North America.  The destruction of prairie dog towns and loss of habitat has severely impacted this animal.  Often making its home in abandoned prairie dog burrows, this nocturnal predator will spend most of its time underground.  They eat prairie dogs, squirrels, mice, birds and small reptiles. 

This painting depicts two young ferrets wrestling and playing near their burrow.