Black-Tailed Prairie Dog

Status: Decreasing

In Arizona, Black-tailed Prairie Dogs (Cynomys ludovicianus) are only found in a small portion of Southeastern Arizona.  Historically, the range of black-tailed prairie dogs was greater. However, intensive efforts at eradicating these animals have reduced the species to a few isolated populations.

Prairie dog colonies, or towns, may contain hundreds of individuals living in neighborhoods or ‘coteries’. Prairie dogs have long been noted for their highly social behavior. There is often playing, nuzzling, mutual grooming, and a great deal of vocal communication. When a prairie dog spots a predator, such as a hawk, badger, or black-footed ferret, it raises an alarm call, alerting its neighbors.  All the prairie dogs hearing this cry can quickly scuttle into their burrows for protection.