Prairie dog moves up ESA ladder: GUNNISON, CO (kbut) - The Gunnison's prairie dog is one step closer to federal protection. On Feb. 1, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service determined that certain populations of the rodent are warranted for protection under the controversial Endangered Species Act. The populations of concern are the ones in montane habitats. This mainly consists of high elevation areas - including the Gunnison Basin. © Copyright 2021, kbut