Squirrel Appreciation Day – January 21, 2023

On Squirrel Appreciation Day, here is a relative of the Squirrel, which is included in the Squirrel (Sciuridae) family

Black Tailed Prairie Dog (Cynomys ludovicianus) 

The Black Tailed Prairie Dog is a ground squirrel in the scientific family Sciuridae, (280 species) which includes includes tree squirrels, ground squirrels (including chipmunks and prairie dogs, among others), and flying squirrels. 

All prairie dogs are ground squirrels, but not all ground squirrels are prairie dogs – (Woodchucks, chipmunks, prairie dogs, and marmots).

They are found in the plains of Southern Canada and United States.

Unlike other Prairie Dogs, the Black Tailed Prairie Dog do not hibernate.

Black-tailed prairie dogs are generally tan in color, with lighter-colored bellies. Black-tailed prairie dogs are brownish to brownish-red above and whitish underneath. 

The black tail distinguishes it from other similar prairie dogs.

They do not drink water. They get the required moisture from the vegetation they consume.

Black-tailed prairie dogs are diurnal.

They inhabit shortgrass prairie mixed-grass prairie, sagebrush steppe and desert grassland.

Black-tailed prairie dogs have very sensitive hearing at low frequencies that allows them to detect predators early, especially while in their burrows.

They form “towns” of different prairie dog families
Towns may have over 20 small family groups
Burrow systems can measure from 13 to 109 feet long and reach nearly 14 feet below ground.

The animals’ sharp claws make them expert diggers. They also have excellent vision and hearing, which allow them to easily detect predators such as coyotes and snakes when aboveground. Once a prairie dog senses danger, it alerts others by barking. It even uses different barks for different enemies.

Black-tailed Prairie Dogs are protected federally under the Species At Risk Act in Canada.

Classification

Squirrel Appreciation Day