Cedar City » They may not be the most popular critters in some communities in southern Utah, but the Utah prairie dog is an essential part of the ecosystem in Bryce Canyon National Park. And that's why the park will host the first Utah Prairie Dog Day on April 30.
The festival for the threatened species will be held at the park off State Route 12 in Garfield County.
Park spokesman Dan Ng said the event is intended to educate people about the prairie dog. The animal has been a source of controversy in neighboring Iron County, the site of an ongoing struggle to balance development with restrictions that come with its protection under the Endangered Species Act.
Ng said the idea for the celebration came up in a resource management meeting for the park that includes habitat for the rodent, found only in southwestern Utah.
He said the park is home to a colony of up to 200 prairie dogs and more of the animals can be found in protected areas outside the park on private and U. S. Forest Service lands.
"The prairie dog is important to the park ecosystem including as a source of food for some animals," said Ng.
Ng said the celebration will include viewing the prairie dog through spotting scopes at the Visitors Center, lectures and children activities.
Mark Havnes
Activities for first Utah Prairie Dog Day at Bryce Canyon National Park April 30:
Visitors can use spotting scopes to view prairie dogs in their natural habit from 9-11 a.m. and again from 1:30-3:30 p.m. at the Visitor Center.
"Can You Dig It? Life as a Utah Prairie Dog At Bryce Canyon" lecture in Visitor Center at 1 p.m.
Ranger program, "Prairie Dogs and Other Cool Critters," in the Bryce Canyon Lodge at 8 p.m.
Refreshments and children's activity tables all day at the visitor center.
