The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) finalized a rule to expand the reintroduction of experimental populations of the black-footed ferret to northern and southeastern parts of Arizona.
The agency said the action will make it easier for volunteer landowners and managers to host ferrets on their properties.
“The biggest threat to ferret recovery is plague, which the 10(j) rule in Arizona will help to address by facilitating the establishment of additional suitable reintroduction sites,” USFWS said. “The 10(j) designation increases flexibility and discretion in management through special regulations allowing incidental take of black-footed ferrets, provided the take is unintentional and not due to negligent conduct.”
With the flexibility of the 10(j) rule, landowners will be able to manage their property without worrying they may inadvertently harm a ferret.
