Biology And Distribution

Prairie Dogs: Herbivorous Burrowing Squirrels of North America

Biology and Distribution

Prairie dogs (genus Cynomys) are herbivorous burrowing ground squirrels native to the grasslands of North America. They are colonial animals that live in large underground burrows, which provide shelter from predators and the elements. Prairie dogs are found in five species: the black-tailed prairie dog, the white-tailed prairie dog, the Gunnison's prairie dog, the Mexican prairie dog, and the Utah prairie dog.

Characteristics and Diet

Prairie dogs are small rodents with short, dense fur and long, bushy tails. They have large, dark eyes and prominent incisor teeth. Prairie dogs are herbivores and their diet consists primarily of grasses, leaves, and flowers. They also eat insects and other small animals to supplement their diet.

Social Behavior

Prairie dogs are highly social animals and live in large colonies. Colonies can range in size from a few dozen individuals to thousands of individuals. Prairie dogs use a complex system of vocalizations and body language to communicate with each other. They also have a keen sense of smell and use it to identify other members of their colony and to detect predators.