Prairie Dogs Are Taking Over Amarillo's John Stiff Park

One of the great things about Amarillo is that the area is surrounded by abundant wildlife. We have deer, foxes, raccoons, porcupines, and many of God's creatures all around Amarillo and within the city limits.

We even have a minor league baseball team named after one of the animals in our city. Although the team is the Amarillo Sod Poodles, it's named after the infamous prairie dog.

Amarillo is filled with prairie dogs.

Prairie dogs are members of the rodent family. They live in underground colonies with vast tunnel networks. Their homes function like cities, counties, and states, to put it into perspective. The black-tailed prairie dog is the most common in the Texas Panhandle. Unfortunately, these little critters are considered pests by some, even though they are adorable and play an important role in the ecosystem.

Where to See Prairie Dogs in Amarillo

You can find prairie dogs all over Amarillo. However, their most recent occurrence is in John Stiff Park by the Southwest Library. If you are driving down 45th, you can see them standing on their mounds or popping their little heads out of their holes.

Prairie Dogs of Amarillo Popping Up in John Stiff Park

Take a look at prairie dogs living in Amarillo, including a growing colony near John Stiff Park and the Southwest Library.

Gallery Credit: Lori Crofford

Prairie Dogs at John Stiff Park Near Southwest Library

There are hundreds of them popping up all over the park area as they have built their underground tunnels and made a new city for themselves.

Who knows, this might even become something new for Amarillo, and we'll have a Prairie Dog Town like Lubbock.

Can You Keep a Prairie Dog as a Pet in Texas?

While they might seem like they would make the perfect pet, prairie dogs are heavily regulated in Texas. They are considered non-game animals, meaning they can be hunted with a valid permit, and ownership may require special permissions.

Are Prairie Dogs Protected or Legal to Own in Texas?

Prairie Dogs as pets are considered exotic. There isn't a law saying you cannot keep them as pets in Texas, but you might need a permit. Keep in mind, prairie dogs can carry diseases such as monkeypox and the bubonic plague (yes, those both still exist). However, you cannot round up prairie dogs in Texas and sell them. That is illegal.

If you're curious about prairie dogs and want to see a few, just stop by the Southwest Library on 45th in Amarillo. Keep in mind, they will start barking and hiding when you walk near them, but they are fun to watch.

Exotic Animals You Can Legally Own in Texas

Texas has an estimated 7.2 million dogs, more than any other state. But perhaps you’re interested in branching out a bit and adding a less common exotic pet to your home.

Granted a few of these exotics are regulated and will require permits.

Animals You Can Hunt Year Round in Texas

Certain animals can be hunted in the Lone Star State all year round. However, there are still rules put in place by the Texas Parks and Wildlife that have to be followed or you are breaking the law.

Gallery Credit: Lori Crofford

Here Are Texas' Most Endangered Animals

Of the hundreds of animals that are currently facing potential extinction here in Texas, there are some with an EXTREMELY low population. In some cases, it is uncertain if the species will make it.