Cynomys ludovicianus
Mammal | Great Plains from Canada to Northern Mexico
Animal Info
Our playful prairie dogs delight visitors with their vocalizations, playing, nuzzling, grooming, and elaborate system of burrows.
The name “prairie dog” comes from its call which sounds like the yap of a small dog.
They are actually closest to the squirrel in relations.
Prairie dogs live in large colonies called towns, which are composed of small family groups of up to 20 members called coteries.
They seek shelter from predators and severe weather in their burrows.
In captivity, their lifespan is 8-10 years.
Diet
In the wild: Herbs and grasses
At the Zoo: High-fiber alfalfa cubes, yams, carrots, and hay
Habitat
Short grass prairies
Conservation Status
International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) – least concern
Humans have targeted this rodent with poison campaigns as agriculture and livestock ranching claims habitat previously used by the prairie dog.
The main threat, however, is the loss of habitat due to this agricultural expansion.