New Residents Arrive at Caprock Canyons State Park
By: Karl Wehmhoener
Updated: July 9, 2012
QUITAQUE -- On June 28, 29 Black-tailed Prairie Dogs were reintroduced to Caprock Canyons State Parks Honey Flat area as part of a prairie restoration project to return the parks landscape and wildlife back to its appearance prior to European settlement.
"This is the latest phase in our attempts to restore this prairie ecosystem," said Donald Beard, Caprock Canyons State Park superintendent. "Restoring the Texas State Bison Herd into the park will probably always be the flagship of our effort, but our plans also include bringing back other animals and native plants to make the land more complete."
In preparation for their arrival, park staff pre-drilled several holes to encourage the animals to begin making their dens.
Bottomless cages filled with hay and food were placed over some of the holes to provide temporary shelter and protection from predators.
"This is the latest phase in our attempts to restore this prairie ecosystem," said Donald Beard, Caprock Canyons State Park superintendent. "Restoring the Texas State Bison Herd into the park will probably always be the flagship of our effort, but our plans also include bringing back other animals and native plants to make the land more complete."
In preparation for their arrival, park staff pre-drilled several holes to encourage the animals to begin making their dens.
Bottomless cages filled with hay and food were placed over some of the holes to provide temporary shelter and protection from predators.
