Black-Tailed Prairie Dog
Cynomys ludovicianus

Squirrel Family (Sciuridae)

Size: 30 cm (12 in)

Habitat/Range: They are found throughout the Great Plains, from southern Canada throughout most of western United States to New Mexico. They are native to shortgrass prairie. Grasslands National Park in southern Saskatchewan is the only place in Canada where they live.

Eating Habits: Prairie dogs are diurnal animals and eat grasses and forbs.

Description:

Prairie dogs are tan coloured, have large eyes and short, black-tipped tails. They are cousins of ground squirrels but get their name because of the barking-like sound they make. Adults weigh 0.5-1.4 kg (1-3 lbs). They have strong claws for digging and big teeth for chewing.

Prairie dogs are very social animals and burrow long underground tunnels. They live in family groups called coteries. A burrow can be anywhere from 3.6 to 30.5 meters (12 - 100 ft) long. A group of burrows becomes a prairie dog town. After prairie dogs leave, the towns become home to many other animals like burrowing owls, hares, snakes, lizards, and black-footed ferrets.