City has begun poisoning prairie dogs

The City of Lawton and Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation have concluded their Elmer Thomas Park prairie dog relocation efforts for the year, meaning city officials have begun their poisoning campaign.

Wildlife officials have relocated 150 of the park’s estimated 500 prairie dogs, with plans to transport the animals to three wildlife management areas that want them. Lawton Parks and Recreation Director Larry Parks said earlier this week that when the relocation effort ended for the year, the city intended to resume what has become an annual program, poisoning the prairie dogs.

That effort began Thursday, City of Lawton officials said Friday, of a process conducted under a permit issued by the Wildlife Conservation Department. Relocation efforts will resume when additional space is available at wildlife management areas, city officials said.

And addressing residential concerns, city officials said they are burying the remains in a designated area on city-owned property near a city lake.

City officials have tried various means over the years, including poisoning, to control the prairie dog population in Elmer Thomas Park. Parks had said the city’s goal is to reduce the existing population by 60 percent, a population that can be sustained by food available within the park.

City officials said in addition to environmental risks, the animal’s extensive burrow systems can lead to erosion and damage park walking paths and irrigation systems. The prairie dogs also are fond of the wiring that supports Holiday in the Park displays, and have caused almost $80,000 in damage, city officials said. They also have caused concerns for Lawton Public Schools, by moving into school athletic fields located on the west side of Elmer Thomas Park.