The Black-tailed Prairie Dog is a colonial ground squirrel that builds elaborate underground towns of interconnected burrows across the Great Plains. Researchers have decoded a sophisticated alarm-call language that conveys specific details about approaching predators, including size, shape, and color. Prairie dog towns support extraordinary biodiversity, providing food and shelter for over 200 wildlife species.
Best time to see a Black-tailed Prairie Dog
The best time to see a Black-tailed Prairie Dog is March–July, when about 62% of U.S. sightings happen, based on 15,607 research-grade iNaturalist observations.
Not certain it is a Black-tailed Prairie Dog? What animal is this? walks through what to check first and the lookalikes that catch people out.
Recent Black-tailed Prairie Dog sightings near you
Live, research-grade observations from iNaturalist. Allow location to center the map on you.
Spotted a Black-tailed Prairie Dog?
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