Preble's Meadow Jumping Mouse Protection Creates Controversy On Front Range (PHOTOS)

The Fish and Wildlife Service proposed on Wednesday to nearly double the size of the protected habitat of the Preble's meadow jumping mouse, an endangered rodent that eats bugs and-as its name suggests-can leap several feet into the air to avoid predators.

The decision is being challenged by developers who that claim the new protected area will stifle economic development.

From the Denver Post:

Meanwhile, the Mountain States Legal Foundation, which already is challenging the Fish and Wildlife Service for its original designation of mouse habitat, is preparing to broaden its lawsuit to encompass the newly proposed land, staff attorney Ron Opsahl said. "The overall impact is going to be pretty big," Opsahl said, estimating economic costs could top $80 million.

See a slideshow of Colorado's endangered animals below: