The western high plains has been dramatically modified by human activity over the past 150 years resulting in conflicts between prairie dogs and humans being complicated by a variety of social and economic issues. Open Space system is a small portion of the range of the black-tailed prairie dog. An understanding of the historical factors relevant to the conservation of prairie dog habitat and the relative physical location of the Open Space land system is important to provide context for this local management initiative. This is no longer the case. Around the turn of the century, government-sponsored prairie dog poisoning programs were initiated throughout the prairie dog's range.
Reliable population counts for prairie dogs in pre-European settlement times are unavailable.
Prior to their destruction, bison herds intensively grazed certain areas creating bare ground and closely cropped vegetation suitable for colonization by prairie dogs. The relationship between bison and prairie dogs is complex, and appears to be of mutual benefit. Prairie dogs, by their grazing activities, maintain grasses in their early growth form with higher levels of available protein. Black-footed ferrets prey upon prairie dogs. Thus, ferrets may have performed an important role in population control.