Concerning the front page article on prairie dogs (Journal, July 10), it was an interesting local story but it does contain one huge item of misinformation. The story stated that prairie dogs have a “set of pups about every 68 days.” This is incorrect! All five species of prairie dogs breed only once a year and have a single litter per year. This story correctly quotes Colorado Parks and Wildife’s public information officer saying that the increased populations is due to the buildup over the last few years and is not the result of this year’s increased moisture. In fact, prairie dog populations are more vulnerable to predators in wet years when taller vegetation provides increased cover for the predator to hide in.
David Sanford
Dolores
Editor’s note: The story was corrected on July 13.