Black-tailed Prairie Dog Pup
Cynomys ludovicianus (pup)
Young black-tailed prairie dogs are born in underground nesting chambers on open shortgrass and mixed-grass prairies. After emerging from the burrow, pups stay close to tunnel entrances while learning to graze on grasses, forbs, and tender shoots. They practice digging, alarm responses, and quick retreats, but remain vulnerable to snakes, raptors, badgers, and coyotes. A notable early milestone is their first aboveground appearance, which usually happens several weeks after birth.
- Type
- Burrow
- Conservation status
- LC
Growth chain
- Black-tailed Prairie Dog Pup
- Black-tailed Prairie Dog