The Black-footed Ferret Project will once again be hosting their spring spotlighting events in Aubrey Valley and on the Double O Ranch with a 3-night event at the beginning of April, and a 4-night event at the end of April. The dates will be April 2nd - 4th and April 23rd - 26th.
Spring events are held to assess the ferret population after winter, to trap dispersing kits that were not trapped in the fall, and to trap older ferrets that need a canine distemper or plague booster. Since ferrets will be released in March, we will be assessing their post-release survival as well. Besides ferrets, other animals that could be observed during spotlighting include foxes, badgers, coyotes, owls, hawks, porcupines, skunks, and pronghorn.
Requirements for Spotlighting: Ability to stay attentive from 8:00 p.m. until 6:00 a.m. while spotlighting for black-footed ferrets. After the hour-long spotlighting training at 8:00 p.m., volunteers will begin spotlighting around 9:30 p.m. and continue until sunrise, usually around 6:00 a.m.
Ability to use or learn how to use a GPS unit. Training will be given on how to use a GPS unit.
Most importantly, dress appropriately for the time of year. Multiple layers are best, as spring nights can be cold. Rain gear is highly recommended since you never know what the weather will be like in Aubrey Valley. Also, be sure to bring plenty of snacks and water. Snacking throughout the night will help you to stay awake.
Please register as a volunteer and remember to put in your hours!
TO SIGN UP: 1. Please send an email to jcordova@azgfd.gov or azferret@azgfd.gov with “spring spotlighting” in subject line Indicate the night(s) you would like to spotlight. You may sign up for one night, several nights, or the entire event.
2. Indicate who else (first and last name) will be attending with you
3. Please indicate if you will be able to use your own vehicle, and the vehicle capacity (4x4 vehicle preferred but not required). If you are able to bring a high clearance vehicle, it is greatly appreciated, as it frees up vehicle space for others and allows greater coverage of the search areas.
4. List any of the following equipment that you are able to bring: GPS, clipboard, flashlight, backpack, binoculars, or a cordless rechargeable spotlight If you are unable to use your own vehicle to spotlight, you will be placed on a team with a vehicle. The Ferret Project has plenty of equipment to loan out but does not provide flashlights or headlamps.
Returning Volunteers: Please arrive at the field house at 9:00 p.m.
New Volunteers: Please arrive at the Field House at 8:00 p.m. After signing up, directions will follow in a confirmation e-mail.
What skills and abilities are needed? Volunteers will be personally responsible for setting and checking traps, and recording locations using a GPS unit.
What is involved? Spotlighting involves the use of high-powered lights to locate and identify black-footed ferrets. Eyeshine is reflected by the spotlight and aids surveyors with identifying and locating an animal. Once a ferret is located, the spotlighting team will set a trap in the burrow where the ferret was located. The team setting the trap will also continue to check the trap approximately every hour or until the animal is caught.
What happens once a black-footed ferret is trapped? Upon capture, a spotlighting team will leave their route and deliver the ferret to the processing trailer. This will allow the team an opportunity to view a ferret up close while biologists process the animal. The ferret’s health will be assessed (vitals monitored) and the ferret will then have a passive integrated transponder (PIT) tag inserted subcutaneously. Once the ferret has been processed, the team will return to their route and release the ferret in the same burrow where it was trapped.
Where to stay? Seligman has several reasonably priced motels, including the Aztec Motel (928) 422-3055, and the Canyon Lodge (928) 422-3255. There are also several other motels in Seligman and it is possible to camp near the spotlighting area. Unfortunately, we are unable to provide camping gear.
Interested? To sign up for the spotlighting event or if you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me via the information below (email preferred). Also, please forward this to anyone that is interested in volunteering.
The address to the field house is 25695 Granada Rd Seligman, AZ 86337
New volunteers: please arrive at the field house at 8:00 p.m. on your first night to fill out paperwork and attend training.
Returning volunteers: please arrive at the field house by 9:00 p.m. to get your team assignments and load your equipment.
