Amarillo Reconsiders Prairie Dog Eradication After Backlash

Recently, we shared with you that the Amarillo Parks and Rec Department voted to eradicate the prairie dog colony in John Stiff Memorial Park. That didn't sit well with many residents in Amarillo. While most disagreed with the decision and others supported it, the City of Amarillo heard the concerns of those who wanted the creatures saved.

Amarillo Residents React to Prairie Dog Eradication Plan

SAVE THE SOD POODLES

The community needs to come together to save them

PROTECT OUR WILDLIFE!!

They should have their place and be protected.

That is so cruel! It was their home first

Amarillo Residents Push Back on Prairie Dog Removal

A petition was created to save these little creatures, along with many emails and calls to the City of Amarillo.

Read More: Amarillo Prairie Dogs Face Eradication at John Stiff Park

Wildlife Rescue Efforts Begin at John Stiff Memorial Park

On Sunday, March 22, Stephanie Brady with the Wildwest Wildlife Rehabilitation Center posted a live video on the WWWRC Facebook page showing her crew and city councilman Tim Reid trying to catch as many prairie dogs as possible to relocate from the park.

She said that after hearing the concerns of citizens, she reached out to the City and had some meetings. On Sunday, they conducted a trial run using safe methods to flush out the prairie dogs.

The City of Amarillo said that it is thankful for the partnership with WWWRC and is supportive of the relocation of the prairie dogs.

We have heard the concerns of our community and are committed to protecting the park for everyone who uses it,” said COA Parks and Recreation Director Michael Kashuba. “At the same time, we want to responsibly manage and preserve local wildlife.

Tensions Rise During Amarillo Prairie Dog Relocation Effort

Brady went on to say that while they were trying to capture them safely, residents were driving by and screaming, with some even spitting at them.

First of all, do better. You can be angry, but before getting ugly, find out if you're being ugly to the right people. These are the people saving the prairie dogs, not hurting them.

Where Amarillo Prairie Dogs Are Being Relocated Next

After capturing the prairie dogs, the WWWRC will give these sod poodles the appropriate veterinary care and prepare them for a new home. She mentioned relocating them to areas near Pantex or local ranches.

This process will take place over the next few weeks. They plan to empty the burrows and then fill the holes to keep them from getting back in.

How You Can Help in the Prairie Dog Relocation Effort

If you'd like to help WWWRC save the prairie dogs, you can make an online donation.  Leave a note in the comments that you would like your donation to go toward saving the prairie dogs.

Although steps have been taken to save the John Stiff prairie dog colony, this saga is not over yet. With development moving into the area, we’ll have to see if the whole colony can be saved or if the city moves forward with partial eradication. However, with WWRC involved, those little creatures will be protected as best as possible.

Read More: Amarillo Zoo Future Takes Major Step Forward

Not only are these prairie dogs in good hands, but it also looks like the future of the Amarillo Zoo and Sanctuary will be bright as well.