The black-footed ferret is a highly specialized predator that depends on prairie dogs for survival. Prairie dogs
make up more than 90% of the black-footed ferret's diet, and prairie dog burrows provide ferrets with dens to
raise their young, as well as a means to escape from predators and harsh weather. Ferret habitat largely
coincided with the habitats of the black-tailed prairie dog (C ludovicianus), Gunnison's prairie dog (C gunnisoni),
and the white-tailed prairie dog (C leucurus). Despite significant recovery successes over the last decade, the
black-footed ferret remains one of the most endangered animals in the world.
Consider the status of the black-footed ferret. What is the MOST logical contributing factor to its endangered status?
A-The exponential growth of ferret predator populations.
B-Human encroachment that has greatly reduced the prairie dog populations.
C-The growing habitat range of the prairie dog populations throughout the
United States
D-Climatic change that has significantly modified the climate of the central
United States