PIERRE, S.D. (AP) Wind Cave National Park officials say the reintroduction of black-footed ferrets in the park is showing signs of success a year after the rare animals were first released.

Fourteen baby ferrets, called kits, were recently trapped and released during four nights of surveying.

Parks Superintendent Vidal (Vee-DAHL') Davila (DAH'-vil-ah) says the kits are the offspring of 49 adult ferrets released in the park last year.

Black-footed ferrets are one of the rarest mammals in North America.

Before last year's reintroduction, 30 years had passed since a ferret had been seen in Wind Cave National Park.

(Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.) APNP 10-17-08 1240CDT | save this article / add to your favorites list