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Prairie dog could get protectionsTULSA, Okla. (AP)--A federal agency has worried some members of Oklahoma's farm community by suggesting the black-tailed prairie dog--located in the state's western half--may deserve legal protection as an endangered or threatened species. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's recent announcement also drew criticism from Oklahoma's congressional delegation, the Tulsa World's Washington bureau reported Dec. 15. "Like all farmers and ranchers, I am very concerned about our environment and understand the need to preserve the diversity of species," said Republican U.S. Rep. Frank Lucas, a veteran member of the House Committee on Agriculture. "However, I find it difficult to believe that this is a proper use of the American taxpayers' money." The federal agency said its action is only the first step in a "long process" that requires a thorough review of all the biological information available. It is asking for comments from state agencies and others until Feb. 2. Larry Wiemers, a biologist with the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation, said the state's prairie dog population appeared to be increasing until recently, when "die-backs" occurred due to disease and drought. Wiemers said surveys taken in the first half of this decade indicate the state's prairie dog population is bigger than earlier projections, covering 55,000 acres instead of 18,000. Joy Gober, a biologist with the Fish and Wildlife Service, said the agency was not saying the black-tailed prairie dog warranted listing, only that enough new information was presented to warrant further review. Gober said new information included the discovery of plague in South Dakota, new poisons approved by states--including Oklahoma--for killing the animals and concerns that current regulations were inadequate. 12/22/08 Date: 12/17/08
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