Prairie Dog Information

Overview

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The Town of Superior is home to several colonies of black-tailed prairie dogs, a native species that is an important part of Colorado's grassland ecosystem. Prairie dog populations naturally fluctuate over time in response to factors such as weather, predators, disease, and drought.

While prairie dogs provide important ecological benefits by supporting native wildlife and reducing vegetation that can contribute to wildfire risk, expanding colonies can also create challenges for nearby residents. Burrowing near private property may damage landscaping and other improvements, and increased interactions with people and pets can occur.

What Residents Need to Know

Prairie dogs are protected and managed under Colorado law. Black-tailed prairie dogs are managed by Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) under Title 33 of the Colorado Revised Statutes and Parks and Wildlife Commission regulations, as well as by the Colorado Department of Agriculture under Title 35 of the Colorado Revised Statutes.

Residents may only manage prairie dogs on their own private property and must comply with all applicable state and local regulations. Residents may not disturb, trap, poison, relocate, harass, or otherwise remove prairie dogs from Town-owned open space or any property they do not own.

The Town's Municipal Code also addresses prairie dog management, including:

  • Section 10-5-50: A permit is required before using poisonous substances to treat any domestic or wild animal, including prairie dogs.
  • Section 10-5-60: It is unlawful to shoot, capture, harass, injure, or destroy animals within the Town except as specifically authorized by ordinance.
  • Section 16-25-30: Establishes prairie dog management requirements for development sites and developers.

What Is the Town Doing?

  • The Town is aware of the expansion of several prairie dog colonies near residential areas. It has retained a wildlife consultant to map existing burrows and colony boundaries, assess areas where colonies may affect private property, and recommend appropriate management strategies.

    Management options being evaluated include:

    • Installing physical barriers, such as specialized underground fencing, to discourage burrowing into sensitive areas.
    • Using passive relocation techniques that encourage colonies to expand toward more appropriate habitat.
    • Considering additional management methods where necessary if colonies continue to expand toward homes or private property.

    The Town's goal is to balance protection of native wildlife with the need to reduce impacts on residents and private property while complying with state law.

Wildlife Health

Like many wild mammals, prairie dogs can occasionally carry fleas that may transmit diseases such as plague, or they may become ill with tularemia. The risk to the public is low, but residents should avoid handling prairie dogs or other wildlife. If you observe a sick or dead prairie dog, do not touch it. Instead, contact Boulder County Animal Protection and Control or a licensed pest control professional for assistance.

Learn More

Colorado Parks and Wildlife provides excellent information about black-tailed prairie dogs, their ecological role, and management practices.

Questions? Contact the Town's Parks, Recreation, and Open Space team at TOSPROS@superiorcolorado.gov.

 

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