The City of Amarillo (COA) is taking a new approach to managing the prairie dog overpopulation at John Stiff Memorial Park (JSMP), implementing a flexible plan focused on relocation rather than eradication. The initiative is being carried out in partnership with the Wild West Wildlife Rehabilitation Center (WWWRC), a local organization experienced in humane wildlife management.
In recent years, the prairie dog colony at JSMP has expanded to levels that began to impact nearby neighborhoods, park facilities, and other developed areas. City officials initially explored more aggressive measures, including eradication, but a strong public outcry shifted the conversation toward safer, more humane solutions.
Citizens played a crucial role in reshaping the city’s plan. After COA proposed lethal control methods, citizens shared their concerns and displeasure about the city's plan for removing the prarie dogs. Their efforts made it clear that the public preferred a strategy that both preserved the prairie dogs and maintained park safety. The result: a relocation-based plan that balances human and wildlife needs.
“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.”
Under the new plan, COA and WWWRC will work together to safely move prairie dogs to approved host sites, keeping them out of developed areas such as roads, facilities, and nearby residential zones. Once relocated, the animals’ burrows will be treated and filled with dirt to restore park areas for safe public use.
The relocation strategy also ensures the ongoing protection of burrowing owls, which inhabit the park. Federal conservation laws will continue to guide efforts to safeguard these birds, reflecting the city’s commitment to balancing ecological preservation with public safety.
City officials noted that this approach represents a shift toward more adaptive and humane wildlife management practices. By working with community members and wildlife experts, COA aims to maintain John Stiff Memorial Park as a safe, enjoyable space while respecting the local ecosystem.
The community’s involvement underscores how public engagement can influence local policy. Without vocal residents advocating for humane treatment, the plan could have resulted in mass extermination. Instead, Amarillo has demonstrated that citizen activism, combined with professional wildlife management, can lead to solutions that protect both humans and animals.
