An adult and baby black-tailed prairie dog chase each other around their burrows. – Copyright 2021 Heather Valey
Remember my summer post regarding the bulldozing of the black-tailed prairie dog colony in Centennial, Colorado? Well, here’s the latest update on the neighboring colony that managed to survive.
Prairie Dog Activist Persists
Centennial Prairie Dogs activist, Karen Carter has been tireless in her pursuit of getting the prairie dogs at the corner of Blackhawk and Arapahoe in Centennial, relocated. The lot the animals are currently on is scheduled to be developed this coming spring. But here’s the kicker, time is running out quicker than you might think. We’re facing a tight deadline because prairie dog relocation season closes at the end of October.
Prairie Protection Colorado in da House
Deanna Meyer from Prairie Protection Colorado has helped Karen by attempting to work with the development manager for the property, Adam Hazlett. He gave approval for the relocation and a contract was signed agreeing to pay for the relocation. However he now won’t answer any communications regarding payment.
In Defense of Animals Launches Call to Action
In the meantime, In Defense of Animals has launched a Call to Action to build awareness around this issue, using photos and video by Heather Valey.
Relocation
The relocation process is beginning at this site, but who will pay for it? Adam Hazlett, the manager of the site wants the activists to create a fundraiser and foot the bill. Does it make sense that the public should pay for a service that should have been budgeted into their development? The non-profits that provide relocation services are on shoe-string budgets and can’t afford to work for free.
Relocation has begun at the Centennial site. Photograph by Karen Carter 2023
Conclusions
In short, I am happy that it looks like there might be a good outcome for these animals in Centennial, but this is merely treating a symptom of a larger issue. We desperately need short grass prairie habitat put aside not only for prairie dogs, but the other animals that rely on this habitat as well like burrowing owls, black footed ferrets, swift fox, pronghorn, mountain plover and others. Southern Plains Land Trust has been building up a prairie preserve in South East Colorado and doing a great job. However we need many more places like this. How can we create more short grass prairie preserves before we run out of land?
How to Help!
- Support the campaign on In Defense of Animals
- Donate to Prairie Protection Colorado who actively helps to save these animals
- Join the Colorado Voters for Animals Lobbyist Group
- Volunteer at Southern Plains Land trust
- Start a prairie dog activist group using the Prairie Dog Coalition Activist Tool Kit
Other Prairie Dog Stories on Nature Fix
From Burrows to Bulldozers: The Plight of the Centennial Prairie Dogs
Prairie Dog Controversy on Land Managed for Multiple Uses
Death Sentence in Disguise for Prairie Dogs at Picture Rock Trail
