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Show Prairie Dog Colonies Numerous in Garfield . I' 'av; ' 5 "H v.- the lake, and adjacent to Garfield Memorial Hospital on the east side in Panguitch. Once found in great numbers throughout the west, the prairie dog's numbers have been greatly reduced over the last century. The little animal is now on the nation's endangered species list and is protected by the government to the dismay of local livestock owners who consider the little creature a serious pest and their enemy. Prairie dogs compete voraciously -with grass-feeding livestock, eating grasses and roots. Their open . burrows are dangerous traps for cows and horses, causing many broken legs. Prairie dogs live in family units in large communities which can cover several acres, hence the concept of a "prairie dog town." Their clever, appealing antics make them fun to watch and children especially enjoy them. Each family has its own territory in the community. Outside the breeding season, the sexes appear to occupy separate burrows which they defend fiercely from attack The fat little animals, each about a foot long, with short, grayish-brown grayish-brown coarse fur, all share the same feeding grounds without competition. com-petition. Perched on short hind legs, with pouched cheeks and short, flat tails, several animals watch with small beady eyes, like sentinels, while others feed. Natural enemies beside man, are the coyote, the rattlesnake and the borrowing owl. The little rodent, a member of the ground squirrel family, can make a fine pet. Prairie dogs are largely vegetarians, but will occasionally eat such things as grasshoppers. His home is an interesting underground un-derground apartment, with a mound around his hole to keep the rain water out. This tunnel is dug straight down and may extend downward as much as 12 feet or more. At the bottom he hollows out several rooms, for sleeping, storing of food, and other purposes. One of the most charming wild creatures in the area, the prairie dog, perches with his head held high, carefully watching lest the visitor venture a little too close, whereupon, with a shrill bark, he warns the rest of the colony. The business of gathering food stops and hundreds of prairie dogs scamper into their holes. The area that only a few seconds before was filled with activity is suddenly quiet and still. Garfield County's popular "prarie dog towns" are currently located near the "Butterfly Musuem" on Utah Highway 12 where it meets with U.S. 89; near Rubys Inn on Utah Highway 63; along Utah Highway High-way 22 between Antimony and Bryce Canyon; near the junction of U-22 and U-12; on tne east side of U.S. 89 about four or five miles north of Panguitch; off the east side of the gravel road which goes around Panguitch Lake on the east side of A prairie dog perches with ... his head held high, ready to utter his shrill bark at the first alarm. Prairie 'dog I towns are found at several places in Garfield County. |