White-Tailed Prairie Dog

cynomys leucurus

The White-Tailed Prairie Dog (Cynomys leucurus) is a charismatic burrowing rodent native to the high-elevation shrub-steppes and mountain valleys of the western United States. Unlike their famous black-tailed cousins, these industrious mammals live at higher, colder elevations and spend up to half the year in deep underground hibernation. They are crucial ecosystem engineers, creating extensive burrow networks that provide essential shelter for dozens of other animal species while churned soil from their digging promotes diverse, nutrient-rich plant growth. Though they are social animals that form family groups, their colonies are typically less densely packed than those of low-elevation species, reflecting the harsher and more dispersed resources of their montane environment.

Habitat: Found in high-altitude shrub-steppes, sagebrush plains, and dry mountain valleys of the western United States.

Appearance

Easily distinguished from other prairie dogs by the distinct white tip on their short tails, Cynomys leucurus has a stocky, robust body covered in tawny, yellowish-brown fur mixed with black-tipped hairs. They feature large dark eyes bordered by pale rings, short rounded ears, and buff-colored underparts. Adult lengths range from 33 to 40 centimeters, and they undergo significant seasonal weight fluctuations, appearing plump and round in late summer as they build up fat reserves for winter hibernation.

KingdomAnimaliaPhylumChordataClassMammaliaOrderRodentiaFamilySciuridaeGenusCynomys

White-Tailed Prairie Dog

Interesting facts

They are considered a keystone species because their abandoned burrows provide critical homes for burrowing owls, rabbits, and tiger salamanders.

When giving their signature alarm call, they perform a physical 'jump-yip' where they throw their forepaws into the air and stretch their bodies upright.

White-tailed prairie dogs hibernate for up to seven months of the year, which is significantly longer than their non-hibernating black-tailed relatives.

Special abilities

To survive the freezing winters of their high-elevation habitats, they enter deep hibernation from late autumn to early spring, dramatically lowering their metabolic rate and relying entirely on stored body fat.

They possess a complex vocal communication network, utilizing unique, high-pitched barks to alert colony members of specific incoming predators, distinguishing between aerial threats like hawks and terrestrial ones like badgers.

Using strong claws and powerful limbs, they construct elaborate multi-chambered burrow systems with specialized zones for nesting, nursery care, and waste disposal.

Measurements & details

Length: 33-40 cm
Weight: 0.6-1.7 kg
Lifespan: 3-7 years
Top Speed: 24 km/h
Clutch Size: 2-8
Incubation: 28-30 days

Diet & Feeding

Primarily feeds on a variety of grasses, forbs, and sagebrush, shifting to nutritious seeds and flowers during the late summer to accumulate fat reserves before hibernation.

Age differences: Juveniles initially consume soft fresh shoots and grasses before transitioning to the harder seeds and fibrous plants eaten by adults.

Primary Foods

Sedge grasses
Sagebrush
Saltbush seeds
Forb leaves
Dandelion flowers

Foraging Method

Grazing

Ecological connections

eaten by

Black-footed ferret

Mustela nigripes

A primary prey item for this endangered specialist predator, which also uses prairie dog burrows for shelter.

eaten by

Golden Eagle

Aquila chrysaetos

An apex aerial predator that frequently hunts prairie dogs across open shrub-steppes.

competitor

Wyoming Ground Squirrel

Urocitellus elegans

Competes directly for forage and territory in high-elevation grassland borders.

Traits

No trait badges are assigned for this object yet.

Also known as

No aliases listed yet.

Collections

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Safety

Danger

1/5 · Very low

No special safety notes yet.

Frequently Asked Questions

How to identify White-Tailed Prairie Dog?

The easiest way to identify White-Tailed Prairie Dog is to use the Snappit nature identifier app.

How long is White-Tailed Prairie Dog?

33-40 cm

How much does White-Tailed Prairie Dog weigh?

0.6-1.7 kg

How long does White-Tailed Prairie Dog live?

3-7 years

How fast can White-Tailed Prairie Dog move?

24 km/h

What does White-Tailed Prairie Dog eat?

Primarily feeds on a variety of grasses, forbs, and sagebrush, shifting to nutritious seeds and flowers during the late summer to accumulate fat reserves before hibernation.

Where is White-Tailed Prairie Dog usually found?

Found in high-altitude shrub-steppes, sagebrush plains, and dry mountain valleys of the western United States.

How does White-Tailed Prairie Dog hunt?

Grazing