Robyn Bortner is a dedicated Fish and Wildlife Biologist with the U.S. Fish &amp; Wildlife Service, serving as the Captive Breeding Manager for the Black-Footed Ferret at the National Black-footed Ferret Conservation Center. Her journey into conservation began with a childhood fascination with critters and bugs, leading her to pursue a degree in Wildlife Biology at Colorado State University. Robyn's passion for preserving wildlife for future generations is evident in her extensive involvement with the black-footed ferret recovery program since 2007, starting as a volunteer. She currently manages the husbandry care team for all black-footed ferrets at the Conservation Center and collaborates with partners on breeding, genetics, and population management.

robyn bortner

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, established in 1871, stands as the nation's oldest conservation agency and a pivotal bureau within the U.S. Department of the Interior. It oversees more than 565 national wildlife refuges, 60 national fish hatcheries, and various facilities. Their mission involves collaborative efforts to conserve, protect, and enhance fish, wildlife, plants, and their habitats for the enduring benefit of the American people.

u.s. fish & wildlife service

Colorado is a state located in the western United States, known for its rugged natural beauty and diverse ecosystems. The state has a wide range of landscapes, including the Rocky Mountains, high plains, forests, and deserts, providing habitats for numerous species. Colorado's biodiversity is remarkable, with over 900 species of birds, mammals, reptiles, and amphibians identified. The state is home to 42 state parks and 300 wildlife areas, adding up to 218,564 acres of park lands and 684,252 acres of wildlife landscapes. However, despite its natural richness, Colorado faces environmental challenges, including habitat fragmentation, climate change, and invasive species.

colorado

The Black-Footed Ferret (Mustela nigripes) is a slender, elusive mustelid endemic to North American grasslands. Adults measure roughly 46–61 cm in total length, weigh between 645 – 1125 g, and feature yellowish-fur with black mask, feet, and tail tip—a distinctive “bandit” appearance. Once thought extinct, the species was rediscovered in Meeteetse, Wyoming, in the 1980s; all remaining individuals were brought into captivity for a breeding program, making the species a notable conservation success story. Today, approximately 350–400 ferrets exist in the wild across multiple reintroduction sites. Typically living 4–5 years in the wild with much shorter mean survival due to high juvenile mortality, they are strictly dependent on prairie dog colonies—for both food (a ferret kills hundreds of prairie dogs annually) and shelter, residing in their burrows. High threats stem from disease (plague and distemper) and prey loss. Natural predators include badgers, coyotes, and raptors. Despite these challenges, conservation continues via captive breeding, ongoing reintroductions, habitat management, and disease control—efforts crucial to sustaining this rare, emblematic species.

black-footed ferret

Robyn Bortner is a dedicated Fish and Wildlife Biologist with the U.S. Fish Wildlife Service, serving as the Captive Breeding Manager for the Black-Footed Fe...

robyn bortner

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