Meet Our Animals > Black-tailed Prairie Dog
 
Quick Facts
Native to Canada, Mexico, United States
Primary Diet Grasses and leafy vegetation
Adult Weight 2 to 3 pounds
Lifespan 5 to 8 years
Status Least Concern

Black-tailed Prairie Dog

This mammal is a species of ground squirrel, but they got the name “dog” due to their alarm bark. Prairie dogs use a range of vocalizations to communicate about predators. When a prairie dog detects danger, it will retreat to a burrow mound and give warning with a series of yips.

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Mammal

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