Colorado Vows Lawsuit
Against P-Dog Listing

DENVER —(AP)— Colorado will take legal action if the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service decides to list the black-tailed prairie dog as a threatened species.

In comments submitted to the federal agency, the state said there was no scientific data to support federal protection for the species. The comments were signed by Department of Natural Resources Executive Director Greg Walcher, Agriculture Commissioner Don Ament and Attorney General Ken Salazar.

``The anecdotal information that does exist indicates that black-tailed prairie dogs are widely distributed and common throughout their historic range, and that is particularly the case in eastern Colorado,'' the state's comments said. ``Under the circumstances, and given the obvious impact to its citizens, it appears Colorado would have little choice than to move forward with litigation to protect its interests should the pending petition ultimately result in a final rule listing the black-tailed prairie dog as `threatened.'''

Walcher said the National Wildlife Federation, which asked for the listing, should be required to produce scientific evidence to support the request before the Fish and Wildlife Service makes a decision.

Under federal law, when a request is made to protect a species, the service is required to study the status of the species to determine if it needs protection.

Walcher said Colorado and other states are working with the Fish and Wildlife Service to develop a conservation strategy for the species.

The prairie dog, a rodent, is considered a pest by farmers, ranchers and others, because it destroys pastures and fields by digging holes and tunneling.

Environmental activists, though, contend the animal's numbers have dropped dramatically. They note the prairie dog is an important part of the ecosystem because ferrets, raptors and other animals prey on it. Some activists also see prairie dog "protection" as another weapon in their war against livestock.