Dakota Datebook: Prairie dog velcro

April 1 marks the day that genetic researcher-turned entrepreneur Cy Ludovicianus started his ranch west of Betrugen in Dupér County. There he does not raise the usual cattle or horses – or even bison or emu. Instead he is raising prairie dogs. But these are bioengineered prairie dogs whose fur has been genetically modified to emulate the hooks and loops of – Velcro!

According to Dr. Cy, as he’s c...