Cynomys ludovicianus (black-tailed prairie dog)
Specimen Images | FW6591 |
| Diet | herbivore |
| Habitat | Grassland, plains of the western US. Most common, most social, and widest-ranging of 4 prairie dog species. Large “towns” contain many family groups or “coteries”. Burrow entrances have dome-shaped mounds. Active year-round. |
| Description | Larger than other ground squirrels, except Marmota. Back light orange-brown flecked with white, sides and belly pale to orange. Narrow tail black-tipped. Stands erect to scan for predators. Communicates with barks, yips, chuckles. |
| Skull Characteristics | Large, robust for a squirrel. Long, pointed postorbital processes. |
| Notes | Links to more species information:
Smithsonian Animal Diversity Web |