Doggone!

A sign for Prairie Dog Town, which is located near Oakley, Kansas. Photo: Matt Slaby

Larry Haverfield on his ranch outside of Russell Springs, Kansas. Haverfield appreciates prairie dogs, recognizing that they help support other wildlife, such as the endangered black-footed ferret.  Photo: Matt Slaby

A black-tailed prairie dog peers up from its burrow at Prairie Dog Town, near Oakley, Kansas. Photo: Matt Slaby

Kansas State University faculty and students, Fish and Wildlife Service employees, and volunteers prepare to locate and capture black-footed ferrets on the Haverfield ranch.  Photo: Matt Slaby

A ferret being vaccinated and tagged by a biologist at the Haverfield ranch in Kansas. Photo: Matt Slaby

Ron Klataske of Audubon of Kansas helped get local ranchers involved in ferret recovery. Photo: Matt Slaby

Prairie Dog Town, a tourist stop featuring the "world's largest prairie dog"—a 20-foot cement statue—ironically is located close to where officials are trying to eradicate the wild version.  Photo: Matt Slaby

Rancher Larry Haverfield and his wife, Bette, have been been fighting against the use of a chemical on their ranch that kills prairie dogs. Photo: Matt Slaby

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