White-tailed prairie dog

Scientific name: Cynomys leucurus

How weight is recorded: Whole weight

Field notes

Appearance

Adults have tan to buff-colored fur with a distinctive white-tipped tail that is shorter and more bushy than black-tailed prairie dogs. Males are noticeably larger than females, weighing up to 20% more.

Size and weight

Males typically weigh 1.0–1.5 kg; females 0.8–1.2 kg. Body length ranges 30–38 cm, with tail length 5–8 cm.

Habitat

White-tailed prairie dogs inhabit shortgrass prairies, semi-arid plateaus, and open grasslands at elevations between 1,500–2,500 m. They prefer areas with well-drained soil suitable for extensive burrow systems and sparse to moderate grass cover.

Distribution

Found in the high plains of Wyoming, Colorado, and Utah, with isolated populations in Montana and New Mexico. They favor expansive grasslands on ridgetops and plateau surfaces.

Diet

White-tailed prairie dogs are primarily herbivorous, feeding on grasses, forbs, and seasonal vegetation; they cache seeds and roots for winter survival.

Behaviour

Diurnal and highly social, living in multi-generational family groups within extensive colonies (towns). They are alert and vocal, with frequent sentry behavior; most active in early morning and late afternoon.

Hunting tips

Look for mounded burrow entrances and well-worn trails radiating from colony centers; fresh droppings and clipped vegetation indicate active use. Approach upwind across open terrain to exploit their reliance on visual detection; use available low cover and move during peak feeding periods in early morning. Prairie dog vocalizations and sentinel behavior provide timing cues for positioning.

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.

United States

Names in other languages

These field notes are general species knowledge, not legal advice. Always check the current seasons, quotas and firearm rules where you hunt.