Diet for a Black-Footed Ferret

The black-footed ferret is a carnivore with a diet comprised almost entirely of prairie dogs. It is the only species of ferret native to the North American continent and a member of the Mustelidae--or weasel--family. Black-footed ferrets are nocturnal and are a different species of ferret than those sold in pet stores. Due to efforts by humans in the first half of the 20th century to wipe out its primary food source, the black-footed ferret is currently the most endangered mammal in North America and one of the world's rarest mammals, with around 1,000 existing in the wild today.

  1. Prairie Dogs

    • As much as 90 percent of the wild black-footed ferret's diet consists of prairie dogs. Black-footed ferrets have a high metabolic rate and require large quantities of food in relation to their body size. Eating requirements can vary with seasonal changes and individual animals, but black-footed ferrets normally consume one prairie dog every three or four days--or roughly 100 prairie dogs per year.

    Hunting

    • Prairie dogs can be as large, or larger, than a black-footed ferret, which necessitates a unique hunting method. The black-footed ferret enters the prairie dog's tunnel and attacks its prey at night while the prairie dog sleeps--killing it with a quick bite to the neck or throat. The black-footed ferret has sharp teeth that can easily shear through the flesh and bones of the prairie dog, enabling the ferret to consume virtually all parts of its prey. Ferrets, like many predators, are opportunistic feeders, meaning they may kill when convenient and then store the carcass for later consumption.

    Other Foods

    • Along with prairie dogs, the black-footed ferret has been known to feed on rats, mice, gophers, ground squirrels, rabbits, birds and even insects and reptiles.