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Black-Tailed Prairie Dog

Cynomys ludovicianus

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Field Notes

Description:

As I was taking a bike ride I stopped because I saw something move. As I looked to see what it was, I realized it was a prairie dog.
The black-tailed prairie dog (Cynomys ludovicianus), is a rodent of the family Sciuridae found in the Great Plains of North America. Unlike some other prairie dogs, these animals do not truly hibernate.The black-tailed prairie dog can be seen above ground in midwinter.

Habitat:

Black-tailed prairie dogs are native to grassland habitats in North America. They inhabit shortgrass prairie, mixed-grass prairie, sagebrush steppe,and desert grassland.

Notes:

Very very shy and alert. It was hard to get a picture.

Reference Links:

Black-tailed prairie dog

Species ID Suggestions

Comments (11)
Captain Nature
According to Montana and perhaps other states as well, they are considered pests.
Josh J
Why arnt they protected?
Captain Nature
Yep. People here shoot them all the time for sport. They are not protected at all in my state: Q. Do I need a license to shoot prairie dogs, white-tailed or black-tailed prairie dogs, in Montana? A. Prairie dogs are currently classified under Montana statute as nongame wildlife. They are also classified as agricultural pests managed by the Montana Department of Agriculture. The Department of Agriculture does not regulate shooting of nongame wildlife. You do not need a license to shoot prairie dogs. Source:http://fwp.mt.gov/hunting/regulations/nongameFAQ.html
duttagupta35504
Oh my god! Awesome spotting. They look a bit like an oversized beaver...
Bhagya Herath
iv read about the Black tailed prairie dog just now it was sad to know that a beautiful creature like that is on a threat it was said that it is a keystone species at some geographic areas also isnt it, so they should conserve. try any conservation program to protect them at your area
Captain Nature
Thanks bherath. Unfortunately out here the prarie dogs are getting run over and shot, and treated like varmits instead of living breathing animals.
Captain Nature
It was extremely hard being absolutely still during this spotting.

Spotted for Missions

Mission
Wildlife of the Prairies
Mission
Montana Wildlife
Mission
2013 Best Wildlife Photo

Tags

Photographed
PublishedMay 28, 2013

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