In the wide-open landscapes of southern Utah, something remarkable is happening just beneath the surface—literally. While many residents are planting spring gardens and soaking in the sunshine, biologists with the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources (DWR) are out in the field, meticulously counting one of the state’s most vulnerable and vital creatures: the Utah prairie dog.
These annual counts, which began in 1976, are part of an ongoing conservation effort to protect a species listed as threatened under the Endangered Species Act. According to Barbara Sugarman, a recovery biologist for the DWR, the team surveys more than 1,300 known prairie dog colonies each year. The data is then used to create ArcGIS field maps, providing a high-level view of prairie dog populations and overall habitat health.
“Last year’s count was 13,909 Utah prairie dogs counted in 2024, and so that is the highest spring count ever recorded,” Sugarman reported in a recent article by FOX 13 News. That number reflects both improved survey efforts and a growing awareness of the species’ ecological importance.
Utah prairie dogs are more than just small, burrowing mammals—they are what biologists call “keystone species.” As noted by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, these animals help aerate soil, create habitat for other species, and support plant diversity. Without them, entire ecosystems could collapse.
Yet, despite their importance, Utah prairie dogs face several serious threats. Habitat destruction from land development, climate change, and agricultural expansion continues to shrink their available range. Additionally, they are highly vulnerable to diseases like sylvatic plague—a fast-spreading bacterial infection that can decimate entire colonies.
Human conflict also plays a role. As prairie dogs expand into agricultural or residential areas, they are often viewed as pests, leading to poisoning, trapping, or removal. In response, DWR has implemented relocation programs that move prairie dogs from conflict zones to protected public lands. In 2023 alone, over 3,000 animals were relocated—marking a record high for the division.
Efforts to save the prairie dogs aren’t limited to government agencies. Academic institutions like Utah State University have studied prairie dog behavior, disease transmission, and land-use challenges in an attempt to foster coexistence. Their research supports integrating habitat restoration, public education, and data-driven policy to ensure long-term species survival.
According to the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources, prairie dog conservation is not just about numbers—it’s about balance. When this species thrives, raptors, foxes, burrowing owls, and plant communities also benefit. In that way, protecting prairie dogs helps sustain broader biodiversity across the state’s fragile grassland and desert ecosystems.
The takeaway is clear: Utah prairie dogs are a threatened keystone species whose presence supports the health of an entire ecosystem. Their future depends on continued collaboration across science, government, and the public. Whether through ongoing tracking efforts, responsible land stewardship, or education campaigns, every piece of the puzzle matters.
Read on if you would like to know more:
Tracking Prairie Dogs: Why These Tiny Mammals Matter in Utah