Let the biologists' opinions figure more largely in this debate. For instance, 10% survival rate is a good statistic; for comparison, what is the normal rate of survival in the same amount of time. By the way, it's more important that this species survive than that Cedar folks can play golf at this particular place; I'm just asking for more reliable data from the scientists.

"Man, licensed to kill gophers by the government of the United Nations"

Removing 96 prairie dogs will hardly make a dent in the "infestation" that has plagued that golf course for years.

I would disagree with Cedarshack above. It is way more important for the golf course to survive than the silly dog to continue to live. Since he didn't give a reason neither will I.

However, I would bet there would be devastating loss to the prairie dog population if the golf course were to close down and cut off the water and food supply to the dogs. They are thriving because of the artificial environment the golf course provides.

Hallelujiah! It's about time some common sense (this time in the form of a federal judge) ruled the day. As someone who plays Cedar Ridge regularly, what these overgrown rats have done to this course is unbelievable and unconscionable. Finally some good news!

Here's my reason for preserving prairie dogs (see "overgrown rats" and "silly dogs", above). This species was made by the Creator, is the work of His hands, and shouldn't be discarded like so much garbage. Your reason would be...?

I see Cedarshack's point about prairie dogs being (for lack of a better term) "God's creatures," and I think they should be preserved.

However, I have endured 10 years of these little critters tearing up our recreational facility, and it's time we were allowed to do something about it. Prairie dogs have burrowed tunnels all over the course. In one place, they've even burrowed up through the middle of the green and into an adjacent bunker.

Keep in mind that, in Cedar, our economy depends on the university and tourism. How can we sell tourists on a golf course with gopher holes all over it?

Between their destruction of the golf course and private property, their incursion on development of Paiute tribal lands, and their prevention of millions of dollars worth of commercial property development in the area, the prairie dogs have done quite enough damage.

Preserve them? By all means. But let's relocate them to a remote place in the county where they can multiply and thrive to their little hearts' content. Where they're currently located, they are little more than irritating rodents.

Thank heavens Judge Dee Benson has the sense to see that. Thank you, your honor.

I have yet to find a "scientist" that can explain the difference between the Utah Prairie dog and the Gunnison prairie dog that look so much alike they can be twins. There is no way this species is endangered. Why is it that the only place they survive is on a golf course or in farm ground. The DWR and Federal Fish & Wildlife threaten the species with their incompitence. It is also important to note that this rodent is a carrier of the plague, monkey pox, and other diseases transmittable to humans.

The judge is going to say get rid of them...it's a golf course. Too much money there to let some animals be. Way to go!

Iron Resident, I wouldn't advertise your address in such a way; you are embarassing yourself and Iron County, too. How many mammalogy scientists (without the quotation marks, which seems to imply you think all scientists somehow bogus) have you personally canvassed? Let me guess...is it ZERO?
If not, which mammalogist did you consult, I'll help you get him/her fired for incompetence.
Your manifest scorn of established science is not a good argument.

Bottom line. These critters wern't here when the course was built. They have since moved in a destroyed a municipal facility. Now what do we do ?. Do we just sit back and let them eat up every dollar that was spent to biuld the course