The Amarillo Parks & Recreation Board has already voted unanimously to exterminate the prairie dogs at John Stiff Park.

We are asking the City of Amarillo to STOP — and consider a better solution.

Prairie dogs are native to the Texas Panhandle. They have been part of this region long before Amarillo existed. Today, they are also part of our city’s identity — represented by our own baseball team, the Amarillo Sod Poodles.

Yet instead of managing and embracing something unique, the current plan is to eliminate it.

This is not the only option.

Cities across Texas — including Lubbock, Abilene, Wichita Falls, and Lawton — have successfully created designated Prairie Dog Towns, where:

• Prairie dogs are managed, not exterminated
• Families and children can safely observe and enjoy them
• The space becomes a community attraction, not a liability

Amarillo has the same opportunity — especially at John Stiff Park, where:

• Prairie dogs are already established
• A new parking area is being developed
• The park is adjacent to the library, playgrounds, and community spaces
  Instead of destruction, we propose:

A Better Solution

• Create a designated Prairie Dog Town within John Stiff Park
• Use thoughtful design (barriers, layout, monitoring) to manage the colony responsibly
• Partner with wildlife professionals to ensure a humane and safe approach
• Relocate excess prairie dogs to willing recipients, approved areas, or suitable public land

Explore opportunities like educational signage, viewing areas, and local events (such as farmer’s markets nearby)

This approach:

• Preserves native wildlife
• Enhances community engagement
• Creates a unique destination for Amarillo

Addresses concerns through management — not eradication

The current plan to exterminate the prairie dogs is:

• Short-sighted
• Out of step with other successful cities
• A missed opportunity for something truly special

We are not asking the City to ignore the issue.

We are asking the City to solve it better.

Call to Action

We urge the Amarillo City Council and Parks & Recreation Department to:

1. Halt any extermination plans
2. Evaluate alternative solutions, including a Prairie Dog Town
3. Engage the public before making irreversible decisions

Work with wildlife experts and the community to implement a humane, sustainable plan

Amarillo can choose to eliminate something unique…

Or turn it into something worth being proud of.

 
Sign this petition to tell Amarillo leadership:
Don’t destroy — create something better. Save the prairie dogs.