The black-footed ferret is a small, nocturnal mammal native to the grasslands of North America. It has a slender body, a distinctive black mask around its eyes, and black feet, which give it its name. These ferrets primarily feed on prairie dogs, relying on their burrows for shelter and hunting. Once considered extinct, the black-footed ferret has been the focus of conservation efforts since the 1980s. Breeding programs have helped increase their population, and they are now being reintroduced into their natural habitats. Despite these efforts, they remain endangered due to habitat loss and disease.