Black-tailed Prairie Dog

Cynomys ludovicianus

These prairie dogs, the only species with a black tip on the tail, build vast prairie-dog towns. They were nearly poisoned out in the early days of ranching because they eat a lot of grass and because cattle and horses can break a leg in their holes.

Look For : A large ground squirrel with a light brown back, white belly, and thin, black-tipped tail.

Length : Body 10-11" long, tail 3-5" long; 2 1/2-4 lb.

Habitat : Short-grass prairies.

Range : Eastern Montana and southwestern North Dakota south to extreme southeastern Arizona, New Mexico, and northwestern Texas.