By Lindsay Rogers
Cynomys ludovicianus
In NEBRASKAland's December 2015 story, "Prairie Dog
Town Tenants," author Kristal Stoner detailed some
of the animals that live in these towns, except the
black-tailed prairie dogs itself.
As its name suggests, the black-tailed
prairie dog can be distinguished
from North America's three other
prairie dog species by the
black-tip on its tail.
All four species are found in
the western United States with the black-tailed
prairie dog having the largest range, including Nebraska.
The black-tailed prairie dog can be found throughout most of western
and central Nebraska in open grasslands. The highly social species communicates through a
series of barks and yips; this species has 12 distinct calls. They also communicate through touch such
as nuzzling, grooming and playing. They form large colonies with well over 100 individuals living
within one small burrow. Often considered a nuisance species, black-tailed prairie dogs are ecologically
important as they are a prey species for many prairie predators including hawks, coyotes, snakes and
eagles. Their construction of burrows is also important in aerating the soil and providing homes to other
burrowing animals. ■
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6 NEBRASKAland • JANUARY-FEBRUARY 2016
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