The Black-footed Ferret Project will be hosting their spring spotlighting event in Aubrey Valley and on the Double O Ranch with a 4-night event in April. The dates will be April 13th - 16th. Spotlighting will begin on Thursday night April 13th and conclude on Monday morning April 16th.
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.
The ferret population is usually at its lowest after the winter, but there is still a chance to see and trap a ferret. Because ferrets have been seen in areas where we normally do not spotlight, we will have teams go out and spotlight these new areas to try and trap these ferrets. 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.
TO SIGN UP:
- 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
- Please RSVP at your earliest convenience by April 10th
- Indicate who else (first and last name) will be attending with you
- 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.
- 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?
Please do not hesitate to contact Jennifer Cordova at jcordova@azgfd.gov or azferret@azgfd.gov.
