Prairie Dog
Town Tenants
What wildlife lives in
these unique habitats?
Story by Kristal Stoner, photos by Joel Sartore
26 NEBRASKAland • DECEMBER 2015
The Golden Eagle is one of the largest raptors in North
America and can be found nesting in western Nebraska.
It feeds on a variety of prey, mostly rabbits, squirrels
and prairie dogs. Unlike its relative, the bald eagle, the
golden eagle seeks wide open areas with very little
development.
The
Coyote is found throughout
Nebraska and increasing its range
nationally. These mammals form
packs and their howling and yipping
serve to communicate with family
members and to notify neighboring
coyotes of their presence.
The
Kangaroo Rat is actually not a
rat or a mouse. More related to the
pocket gopher, it has massive hind
legs that allow it to leap nine feet
at a time. It is primarily a seed eater
and has a strong hoarding habit.
The Black-footed Ferret is a
member of the weasel family
and is the only ferret native to
North America. Prairie dogs are
ferrets' main source of food, and
they use the prairie dog tunnels
for shelter. This mammal is not
found in Nebraska, but was
once found across the Great
Plains. It is now one of the
most endangered animals in the
world.
Prairie Dog – The landlord of the town.
The Red Fox is an adaptable creature that lives in a variety of habitats
including forests, grasslands, mountains, deserts and even suburbs.
Their diet is almost as variable as the places they are willing to live:
They eat carrion, rodents, insects and even fruit.
The
Prairie Vole is a small
mammal, similar to the
mouse, that makes prairies its
home across the Great Plains.
Unlike most mammals, prairie
voles are monogamous and
will protect their mates, and
both parents care for the
young.
