The black-footed ferret, Mustela nigripes, is a nocturnal carnivore native to North American grasslands. It has a slender body, distinct black markings on its feet and face, and a tail tip. It primarily preys on prairie dogs and relies heavily on these colonies for shelter and food.

Mustela nigripes, commonly known as the black-footed ferret, is native to the Great Plains region of North America. Historically, its range extended across the central United States, parts of southern Canada, and northern Mexico. However, due to habitat loss and population decline, its current natural distribution is limited to certain reintroduced populations in states such as Wyoming, South Dakota, and Montana.

The black-footed ferret inhabits grassland ecosystems, primarily shortgrass and mixed-grass prairies. These areas are characterized by semi-arid conditions with cold winters and warm summers. Precipitation is generally low, and the terrain is often flat or gently rolling.

The ecological niche of Mustela nigripes is closely tied to prairie dog colonies, as these ferrets rely heavily on prairie dogs both as a primary food source and for their burrows, which serve as shelter and breeding sites. The black-footed ferret is a specialized predator within this ecosystem, playing a critical role in maintaining the ecological balance by controlling prairie dog populations.