Prairie dogs are a big part of what makes Colorado special. They’re a native animal we see all the time, and they do a lot of good for our grasslands. They are what we call a “keystone species,” which basically means they are crucial for the whole ecosystem. They dig holes that aerate the soil, and their burrows become homes for other animals like burrowing owls and black-footed ferrets. Plus, they’re a main food source for predators like hawks and snakes. If the prairie dogs disappear, a lot of other animals go with them.

The problem is, as Colorado keeps growing and we build more homes and businesses, these prairie dogs are losing their land. When a new development starts, colonies are destroyed, and officials have to figure out a humane way to manage them.

The best option we have is m

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