Black tailed prairie dogs are becoming extinct because of the major
extermination of their breed. The range, or where it can be found is in Montana,
Wyoming, North and South Dakota, New Mexico, and Nebraska. This prairie dog
can also be found in Oklahoma, Colorado, Texas, and Arizona. The status of this
animal is widespread but declining in number. This animal is a member of the
squirrel family and is closely related to the ground squirrel. This interesting
animal has brown, golden fur, but light colored fur on its neck and chest. The
black tailed prairie dog has a long body with short, powerful legs and arms. It
also has four sharp teeth with small ears on either side of its head and a black
tipped tail.
These animals live in burrows in dry areas with short grass. All the
burrows have an entrance, exit, rooms for nesting, and a “flood room.” Not any
two burrows are alike. A pile of dirt surrounds the entrance, which is good for
watching for predators. The “flood room” is a room dug into the ceiling at the
bottom. This room is so that if the burrow fills with water, it forms a pocket of air
for waiting until the water drains. These animals are very social and vocal. They
have many calls like yips, growls, chattering, barks, and wheezes. When they are
in danger, they chirp and wheeze. They are also very territorial and spend much
of their time feeding and keeping a lookout for predators. These animals also
groom each other and work together to build their burrows when necessary.
These animals also greet each other by touching noses or turning sideways and
touching teeth. They feed on seeds, stems, roots, and leaves of flowering plants.
The prairie dog’s diet consists of grasses and weeds and they sometimes eat
grasshoppers, beetles, and other insects. These animals eat where they find
grasses and herbs. When the prairie dog sees a predator, it usually gives a
tapping alarm to warn the others. The others go into the burrow as quick as
possible. Some predators of the prairie dog are badgers, coyotes, foxes, bobcats,
eagles, and hawks. Most prairie dogs that are caught by predators are usually
very young, sick, or old.
Mating season is from February through March. Females have one litter a
year. One month after mating, the female has three to four pups. The pups are
born naked with their eyes closed. They stay in the burrows for about six weeks.
The females are very aggressive when she has her pups. They will often fight
with other females to guard their pups and territory. They will also invade
burrows of other females and kill the pups.
Interestingly the black tailed prairie dog builds a bathroom in its burrow
and when it gets full, the prairie dogs dig a new bathroom. Also the prairie dog
gets most of its water from the foods that it eats. Prairie dogs do not store food
because they usually eat the plants right around the burrow. This also helps to
keep watch for predators. The Black tailed prairie dog is a very interesting animal
in more than just one way. I think that people should stop exterminating these
animals because they need a home to live in just like us!
-Megan Kopsik