Gunnison's prairie dog
Scientific name: Cynomys gunnisoni
- How weight is recorded: Whole weight
Field notes
Appearance
This species has a stocky, compact body with tan to buff-colored fur and a distinctly short, white-tipped tail. Males are notably larger than females, and both sexes display darker patches around the eyes and a characteristic black-tipped snout.
Size and weight
Males typically weigh 0.7–1.0 kg and measure 28–33 cm body length; females weigh 0.6–0.8 kg and measure 25–30 cm.
Habitat
Gunnison's prairie dogs inhabit semi-arid and arid grasslands, shrublands, and mesa-top plateaus at elevations between 1,500–2,900 m. They prefer areas with well-drained soils suitable for extensive burrow systems and sparse to moderate grass and forb cover.
Distribution
Endemic to the Colorado Plateau and adjacent high-desert regions of southwestern Colorado, southeastern Utah, and northern New Mexico and Arizona. They prefer flat to gently rolling terrain with short grass and minimal woody vegetation.
Diet
Gunnison's prairie dogs feed primarily on grasses and forbs year-round, supplementing with seeds, roots, and vegetation; seasonal availability drives preference shifts toward fresh spring growth and autumn seed production.
Behaviour
Diurnal and highly social, these animals live in established colonies (towns) and are most active during dawn and mid-afternoon. They spend considerable time above ground feeding and maintain sentinel positions to watch for predators.
Hunting tips
Look for mounded, cleared earth crater-like burrow entrances clustered in tight colonies; fresh scat (small, dark pellets) and worn trails between holes indicate active use. Approach colonies from downwind and use terrain folds or low vegetation for concealment; prairie dogs rely heavily on visual detection, so low silhouettes and slow movement are essential. Early morning or late afternoon provide optimal light and activity windows for spotting and stalking.
Whole weight
This species is logged by whole weight — the animal weighed entire, as taken.
Where it is hunted
Listed as huntable in 1 country in Huntify.
Names in other languages
- noGunnisonprærihund
- svGunnisons präriehund
- daGunnisons prærihund
- fiGunnisoninpreeriakoira
- deGunnison-Präriehund
- frChien de prairie de Gunnison
- esPerrito de las praderas de Gunnison
Current language: en
These field notes are general species knowledge, not legal advice. Always check the current seasons, quotas and firearm rules where you hunt.