FWS Announces Ferret Reintroduction Rule for Wyoming

On October 29 the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service announced a finalized rule to open up the state of Wyoming as a special area for black-footed ferret (Mustela nigripes) reintroductions. This rule designates any reintroduced ferrets in Wyoming as part of a nonessential experimental population, meaning landowners will be able to manage their property without concern of legal repercussions if their land practices result in incidental harm to a ferret. The Wyoming Game and Fish Department, which is supportive of the rule, does not have any immediate plans to release more individuals in the state. In the short term, the department will be working with landowners interested in hosting future reintroductions.

Read the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service News Release.