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Black-tailed Prairie Dog

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Black-tailed Prairie Dog

Description: The black-tailed prairie dog is a true ground squirrel. A medium sized rodent, approximately 30 cm (1 ft) long with a 10 cm (4 in) tail. Body color is yellowish above, creamy underneath and the outer edges of the tail are black, hence the name. Males can weigh up to 2.25 kg (5 lbs). Females are slightly smaller. Average weight is about 1.3 kg (3 lbs). Prairie dogs are closely related to woodchucks, chipmunks and flying squirrels.

Range and Habitat: The prairies and semi-desert of the northwestern states, primarily North and South Dakota, Wyoming, Montana and down into Oklahoma and Texas. Usually in an area protected by law.

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