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The degree of competition between cattle and prairie dogs has not been fully assessed in research projects. However, Hansen and Gold (1977) showed that the proportions of different plant species consumed by prairie dogs and cattle were similar. Taylor and Loftfield (1924) concluded that zuni prairie dogs (cynomys gunnisoni zuniensis) destroy 80% of the total annual production of forage and may come into direct competition for forage with cattle. Summers and Linder (1977) determined that five impor- tant forage species for black-tailed prairie dog were bluegrama, and western wheat grass. Bonham and Lerwick (1976) found that plant species diversity and livestock use of plant species was greater on than off prairie dog towns. Boddicker (1983) concluded in his findings that prairie dogs prefer areas of law vegetation and openness. In semiarid short- grass, mixed, and midgrass rangelands, they seem to prefer to establish colonies in old homestead sites and old fields. He found that prairie dogs do not tolerate tall vegetation well and avoid brush and timbered areas. Also, heavy live- stock grazing, compounded by exceptionally dry years, seems to enhance prairie dog expansion; whereas wet years with abun- dant vegetation growth produced the opposite effect. Dr. Boddicker, CSU Extension Wildlife Specialist, reported in a pamphlet titled "Prairie Dogs" that in the Western States large colonies of prairie dog may serve as a reservoir for bubonic plague. He states that this problem has been partic- ularly acute in Colorado and New Mexico. This writer notes that just last year (1986) bubonic plague wiped out an entire prairie dog preserve area (75 acres) and surrounding prairie dog populations at the Boulder Valley Ranch. The ranch is located approximately 12 miles south of Dowe Flats. This disaster caused a severe chain reaction of negative im- pacts to birds of prey and other wildlife that feed on prairie dogs in the preserve. A population crash of this magnitude on Dowe Flats would devastate the golden eagle and bald eagle populations nesting in the nearby rock cliffs. The writer has personally observed several golden eagles preying on prairie dogs on five different occasions in pasture =9. In addition, he has observed bald eagles perched on electrical poles over- looking the prairie dog colonies in the same area. The population of prairie dogs in field n9 appear to be out of balance with its ecosystem and predator base. Prairie dog population management and livestock grazing management need to be addressed in a comprehensive management plan. 9