Ask SAM: Two prairie dog species at home in Larimer County

This column is provided by Larimer County Extension's Small Acreage Management (SAM) Program to assist rural residents.

Dear SAM,

How many different kinds of prairie dogs are there in Larimer County?

Art P.

Dear Art,

Two. Black-tailed prairie dogs are the most common and visible prairie dog species in Larimer County. A small number of white-tailed prairie dogs are also present.

The most obvious visual difference between the two species is the tip of the tail. True to their names, the black-tailed has a black tip and the white-tailed has a white tip.

White-tailed prairie dogs are found at higher elevations, preferring mountain meadows. The black-tailed species prefers the plains. While both species like open land with good visibility, the white-tailed is more tolerant of brushy land with sagebrush and other shrubs. The black-tailed prefers grasslands with unobstructed views of potential predators.

The white-tailed prairie dog is less colonial than its black-tailed cousin. The towns of white-tailed prairie dogs are less densely populated. Their burrows are not extensively interlinked. The white-tailed also displays fewer social contacts such as "kissing," compared to the highly social black-tailed.

During winter months, the white-tailed hibernates and remains below ground. It may awaken occasionally to feed on stored roots and seeds, but often does not emerge. The black-tailed, on the other hand, remains active and comes out of its burrow on all but the coldest winter days.

Vocalizations of both species are similar. The alarm call is most recognizable. A circling bird of prey will trigger the call, followed by a scurrying for cover.

Both prairie dog species play a similar role in their environments. They are prey for black-footed ferrets, badgers, coyotes, fox and raptors. Their abandoned burrows provide homes for rabbits, burrowing owls and other species.

Several organizations have requested that the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service list the white-tailed prairie dog under the federal Endangered Species Act. In response, an inventory of white-tailed prairie dogs is currently being conducted.

Most of Colorado's white-tailed prairie dog population is found on the West Slope. A few have been found in the mountains northwest of Red Feather Lakes. Other unmapped colonies may exist in the northern portion of Larimer County.

SAM

Have a question about rural living? Write to Ask SAM, Larimer County Cooperative Extension, P.O. Box 543, Fort Collins, CO 80522.