Black-tailed prairie dog

Scientific name: Cynomys ludovicianus

How weight is recorded: Whole weight

Field notes

Appearance

Yellowish-brown to tan fur with a stocky, robust build; the distinctive short black-tipped tail is diagnostic. Males are noticeably larger than females, with broader heads and thicker necks.

Size and weight

Males typically 1.0–1.3 kg, females 0.8–1.0 kg; body length 28–35 cm with a 3–7 cm tail.

Habitat

Black-tailed prairie dogs inhabit short-grass prairies, semi-arid grasslands, and desert plains from sea level to 2,000 m elevation. They prefer areas with well-drained, compacted soils suitable for burrowing and sparse to moderate grass cover.

Distribution

Found across the Great Plains from Canada through the central United States into northern Mexico; they occupy fragmented prairie and grassland patches in the western Great Plains and high plains regions.

Diet

Prairie dogs are primarily herbivorous, feeding on grasses, forbs, and clover year-round; they also consume insects seasonally and may eat green vegetation when available.

Behaviour

Highly diurnal and social, living in colonies (towns) with complex burrow systems; they are most active in early morning and late afternoon, with reduced activity during midday heat and winter months.

Hunting tips

Look for mounded burrow entrances, clipped vegetation around colonies, and droppings near tunnel mouths. Approach upwind using terrain contours and sparse cover to get within effective range. Early morning and late afternoon provide best visibility and activity; target individuals standing alert near burrow edges and avoid excessive movement that triggers colony alarm calls.

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.