Activity of radio-tagged black-footed ferrets

Authors

Dean E. Biggins, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Denver Wildlife Research Center, P.O. Box 916, Sheridan, Wyoming 82801
Max H. Shroeder, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Denver Wildlife Research Center, P.O. Box 916, Sheridan, Wyoming 82801
Steven C. Forrest, BIOTA Research and Consulting, Inc., Box 2705, Jackson, Wyoming 83001, and Department of Biological Sciences, Idaho State University, Pocatello, Idaho 83209
Louise Richardson, BIOTA Research and Consulting, Inc., Box 2705, Jackson, Wyoming 83001, and Department of Biological Sciences, Idaho State University, Pocatello, Idaho 83209

Abstract

Activity of two radio-tagged black-footed ferrets (Mustela nigripes) was investigated during October–November 1981 (an adult male monitored for 16 days), and during August–November 1982 (a young female monitored for 101 days). Aboveground activity of the male averaged 2.95 hr/night, 15% of the total time monitored. From 22 September to 5 November, aboveground activity of the female averaged 1.69 hours; 26% of the time she was stationary and 74% of the time she was moving. During August the juvenile female emerged at least once on 93% of the nights. She was least active in November. Both animals were primarily nocturnal (although daylight activity was not uncommon), and timing of nightly activity was similar, peaking from 0100 to 0359.

Recommended Citation

Biggins, Dean E.; Shroeder, Max H.; Forrest, Steven C.; and Richardson, Louise (1986) "Activity of radio-tagged black-footed ferrets," Great Basin Naturalist Memoirs: Vol. 8, Article 10.
Available at: https://scholarsarchive.byu.edu/gbnm/vol8/iss1/10