With the efforts of only two private conservation groups and the Blackfeet reservation, the rest of the swift fox story becomes as amazing as the swift fox is itself. With Defenders of Wildlife putting together the majority of the funding, Cochran Ecological Institute continuing the breeding program, and the Blackfeet Reservation providing the habitat, each organization played an equally important role.

In the United States the swift fox petition had been submitted for including this animal under the endangered species act. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service determined it to be "warranted but precluded." Sadly, instead of listing the swift as endangered, a conservation team was established in order to avoid the usual conflict that these type re-introductions can bring about. In 1997 an assessment was made listing the prescriptions for recovery. One of the ingredients recommended was finding the perfect habitat, however it was considered a low priority.

The Canadian captive-breeding program by CEI that began in 1973 had been successful. However, the release program supported by Wildlife Preservation and Trust had only been a partial success. In 1983 the first 800 swift fox were released in Canada, but only 250 of these swift fox were alive by 1991. Due to poor weather conditions and competition by coyotes in the area the fox had failed to thrive as the Wildlife Preservation and Trust had hoped. Funding was held for the Canadian project.

There were 30 swift foxes slated for release in Canada when the budget was pulled. Defenders of Wildlife in partnership with the CEI, who were responsible for the successful breeding program, seized the opportunity to arrange release of these animals on the Blackfeet reservation in Montana. The Blackfeet reservation was deemed perfect for reintroduction. Since the release was on a Reservation, a sovereign entity, none of the usual fanfare was necessary and much time and funding was saved. With a multitude of badger and prairie dog holes for cover; the foxes can hide from predators such as coyotes, golden eagles, and hawks. Their favorite foods, mice and ground squirrels were abundant. With these habitat requirements met, along with great enthusiasm from the people of the reservation, the project was off to a great start. The usual conflicts that re-introducing carnivores had brought about in the past were avoided.

Remembering that the swift fox was prevalent when settlers came to the prairies helps explain the dedication the Blackfeet people have to this project. The plains tribes association with the swift fox goes back almost 8,000 years. A small fast-footed canid that was the companion of Napi, god of the Great Plains, was told of in stories handed down through generations. Guards of the tribes were called the Swift Fox Society; these guards were the first to see Custer at the Battle of the Little Big Horn. Now the Blackfeet tribe had the opportunity to help bring back this species and they welcomed the job. Another 15 swift fox were released, eight of these had radio collars.

Eight swift fox paired the first summer when the original 30 were released. Today there are at least fifteen pairs and a goal of 250 breeding pairs by the year 2003. I think this success can not only be attributed to the careful selection of proper habitat, but also to the fact that the Blackfeet Tribe has been so dedicated to helping this species. At a time when most people are so indifferent to the struggle of wildlife, this really demonstrates how special these people are.

While I stood photographing this gorgeous animal, I had no idea of this species history. I was only conscious of the light and his movements. He had paused to stand on a log when I first approached him. It was a perfect pose, full of life and dignity. Now, having learned more about this animal, I can easily understand where these qualities came from and can see that with a little help this species may just have a secure future to look forward to.

Special thanks to Minette Johnson at Defenders of Wildlife for all of her help!

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