Gunnison’s prairie dog

Gunnison's prairie dog is one of five species of burrowing, colony-forming squirrels belonging to the genus Cynomys. These rodents inhabit plains, high plateaus, and montane valleys in North America. They have short, coarse fur, a short tail, small ears, and strong claws for digging.1

Gunnison's prairie dog (Cynomys gunnisoni) is found where Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico, and Utah meet. These animals excavate complex burrow systems, often marked by mounds. They primarily eat herbs, grasses, leaves, and seeds, with their diet shifting seasonally. Communication involves alarm calls, threats, and distress vocalizations. Their natural predators include badgers, coyotes, and eagles. Prairie dog populations have significantly declined due to poisoning programs and habitat conversion.1