PHOENIX (CBS5) -
The Arizona Game and Fish Department is looking for volunteers to lend a hand in the recovery of an endangered species - the black-footed ferret.
Arizona Game and Fish Department spokesman Zen Mocarski said the public is needed to help count the numbers of black-footed ferrets in the Aubrey Valley in northwestern Arizona, near Seligman.
From Sept. 27 to Oct. 1, Game and Fish will be conducting its annual fall spotlighting effort for the elusive and nocturnal animal.
Mocarski said the species was twice thought to be extinct until a small population of black-footed ferrets was discovered in 1981.
A mere 18 were left when captive breeding efforts began in1985. In 1996, Arizona's Aubrey Valley was selected as a reintroduction site, Mocarski said.
In just the last 10 years, black-footed ferrets in Aubrey Valley have reached a population high enough to be considered self-sustaining, meaning no captive-bred ferrets are needed to maintain a population.
Mocarski said volunteers must be able to stay attentive from sunset to sunrise and they must be willing to learn how to use a Global Positioning System.
Individuals can volunteer for one or more dates. A parent or guardian must accompany any youth under 18.
Those wishing to volunteer, or needing more information, should email azferret@azgfd.gov by Sept. 21 with "September Spotlighting" in the subject line.
Individuals should indicate which night(s) they are available to help; include a first and last name, a contact number, and if anyone else will be attending with them.
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