And geography does not matter in the debate on whether a civilized society ought to be gassing, shooting and plowing over wildlife. As a last-ditch effort to save my colony for humanitarian reasons, I moved onto the federal level. At this point I'm starting to get calls from people across the state who also have a colony they'd like to protect or relocate. Some of my immediate neighbors are talking about standing in front of the bulldozer. Meanwhile, wildlife experts are wondering aloud whether we're headed for illegal prairie dog dumping in this state.
Times are desperate for wildlife advocates.
Like it or not, wildlife conservation associated with prairie dogs along the Front Range rests squarely on the shoulders of residents. It's a cycle that will only be corrected when citizens step forward and urge their leaders to adopt a conservation ethic. Residents should not expect much help from the state other than expert advice. This action is in response to the National Wildlife Federation's petition to list the prairie dog as an endangered species. City and county open space tax dollars are perhaps the citizen's best tool to ensure that our communities value wildlife habitat.