# Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants: Establishment of a Nonessential Experimental Population of Black-Footed Ferrets in Aubrey Valley, Arizona
> **US Fish and Wildlife Service** · Final rule. · Published 1996-03-20 · Effective 1996-03-20 · 61 FR 11320
## Document
- **Document number:** 96-6732
- **Category:** endangered-species
- **Sub-agency:** US Fish and Wildlife Service
- **State:** AZ
- **Federal Register citation:** 61 FR 11320
- **CFR reference:** 50 CFR 17
- **Publication date:** 1996-03-20
- **Effective date:** 1996-03-20
## Abstract

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, in cooperation with the Arizona Game and Fish Department will introduce black-footed ferrets (Mustela nigripes) into Aubrey Valley, Arizona. This reintroduction is a primary recovery action for this federally listed endangered species and will allow evaluation of release techniques. If conditions are acceptable, surplus captive- raised black-footed ferrets will be released in 1996, or later. Additional surplus animals will be released annually thereafter for several years or until a self-sustaining population is established. Releases will use and refine reintroduction techniques used in other areas. If the Aubrey Valley program is successful, a wild population could be established within about 5 years. The Aubrey Valley ferret population is designated as a nonessential experimental population in accordance with section 10(j) of the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended. This population will be managed under the provisions of an accompanying special rule.

## Source
- [Federal Register document](https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/1996/03/20/96-6732/endangered-and-threatened-wildlife-and-plants-establishment-of-a-nonessential-experimental)
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