The Wonders of God’s Creation
When western prairies of the United States were being settled many years ago, millions of prairie dog homes dotted the plains. Because these animals were considered pests they were hunted and poisoned, so that today hardly any are left.
That poisoning also meant the death of a smaller animal — the black-footed ferret — not only because they, too, were poisoned, but with the elimination of prairie dogs their principal food supply was gone. Now there are also only a few of these ferrets left — mostly in the state of Wyoming where efforts are being made to protect them.
The pretty black-footed ferret looks like and is related to the weasel, as shown by its slim body, short legs, alert expression and sharp eyes. Only about two feet long from nose to tail tip, it weighs a mere pound and a half. Its fur is mostly tan, but its racoon-like face and throat are white with a black streak, like a bandit’s mask, across its eyes, then continuing over its head and all along its spine. Legs and paws are also black, accounting for its name. Being close to the ground its agile body is well hidden in the grass as it skims along at high speed.
It is a fierce night-time hunter, often attacking animals larger than itself. For instance, prairie dogs often weigh more than twice as much, but although the ferret may get badly wounded, it is rare for them to lose the battle. When it is over the ferret drags the heavier creature to its burrow for eating. Ground squirrels, mice, rabbits and other small animals are also their victims.
Little ones (kits) are born and raised by the mother in early summer. Sometime before fall each one moves to a solitary burrow where it makes its home and carries whatever it captures for its own consumption.
In the Lord God’s original creation all things lived peacefully together, but when Adam and Eve brought sin into the world that perfection was ruined, affecting all living things. And today lions, tigers, ferrets, hawks, falcons, sharks and many other creatures still attack and kill one another.
Before that takes place all who know the Lord Jesus Christ as their own Saviour will have been called to heaven and will look down on this peaceful scene with thankful praise to God for restoring His creation so wonderfully. Will you be in heaven with them?
ML-10/23/1988