To many, they are watchable wildlife. To some, they are a nuisance. They have been the subject of a polarizing public debate for many years. To the residents of Canton, Okla., they are a renowned attraction that adds year-round value to the recreational experience at the lake. They were the prime topic of discussion at the public information meetings held in Canton for the proposed construction improvements to the dam at the lake. "They" are the prairie dogs of Canton. Their town, next to Oklahoma Route 58A, lies in the path of the construction of the proposed new spillway. Many local residents and the recreating public are quite concerned with the fate of these long-standing inhabitants of Riverside Park.

The black tailed prairie dog was added to the list of species eligible for inclusion as a threatened species of the Endangered Species Act in 1998 after a petition was filed for federal protection. In 2004, the species was officially removed as a candidate species after it was determined they did not meet the criteria to be classified as such. However, that action did nothing to stem the public outcry of citizens nationwide for protection of these cute little creatures.

In October 2008, as the result of a coordinated effort between the Corps, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation, plans to relocate the Canton Lake prairie dogs were finalized. Lynda Watson, a prairie dog management specialist from Lubbock, Texas, was able to flood the existing burrows with sudsy water, reach into the burrows with bare hands, and pull out the reluctant inhabitants too surprised to run. In all, approximately 70 prairie dogs were captured. They spent three days recuperating in cages protected from the elements, and then they were taken to their new home.

Pre-drilled starter holes lined with prairie hay were prepared at another site on Corps property, and the seven cages full of prairie dogs were released. In the subsequent weeks, the prairie dogs have colonized their new home, far enough from the proposed construction site to ensure their longevity, and close enough for their adoring public to watch.