How Do You Solve A Problem Like The Ferret?

   
In the Native American Times they are reporting on the conflict over the poisoning of prairie dogs in the Buffalo Gap and Ft. Pierre National Grasslands.  This is controversial as the prairie dog is the major food supply for the black footed ferret, an endangered species. 

In response to pressure from cattlemen and political leaders, The U.S. Forest Service released a draft plan that may drastically increase the poisoning of black tailed prairie dog colonies this fall throughout the Buffalo Gap and Fort Pierre National Grasslands in South Dakota and the Oglala National Grassland in Nebraska. Widespread poisoning could kill tens of thousands of prairie dogs, which would jeopardize the continued recovery of the critically imperiled black-footed ferret, the most endangered mammal in North America. Prairie dogs are considered keystone species in the prairie ecosystem because so many other animals depend on them for food, shelter, or both.

Prairie dogs, of course, are also pests who destroy the grass and create pot holes that cattle step into and injure themselves.  I have a solution to this problem.  Let's send in Jimmy Carter and perhaps he can negotiate a settlement between the ranchers, the environmentalists, the ferrets, and the prairie dogs.