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Prairie Dog (White-tailed)

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Cynomys leucurus

Range

They are found most commonly in the grassland region of Wyoming, but can be found on some areas in Colorado, Utah, and Montana.

Habitat

They live on dry (arid) grasslands and shrubby area.

Body Traits

They reach 15.5” long and weigh up to 3 pounds. They have small, rounded ears. They are tan to light brown with a dark cheek patch and eyebrow and large eyes. Their tail is lighter than their body and covered with white hairs.

Habits

They are active during the day (diurnal). They hibernate through much of the year starting as early as late-August (though more commonly by early October) through March.

Diet

They eat grass, plants and shrubs.

Predators

They are eaten by badgers, coyote, foxes, bobcats, golden eagles, hawks, and rattlesnakes.

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Reproduction

They mate late in March when they wake from hibernation. Females are pregnant for about a month (gestation). They have up to 8 young, though usually about 5. They have only one litter per year.

Lifespan and/or Conservation Status

They live up to 5 years in the wild, but die within their first year. They are listed as Lower Risk - least concern.

Classification

Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Subphylum: Vertebrata
Class: Mammalia
Order: Rodentia
Suborder: Sciuromorpha
Family: Sciuridae
Subfamily: Xerinae
Genus: Cynomys
Species: Cynomys leucurus

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