Gunnison's Prairie Dog
Cynomys gunnisoni
Their vocal alarm calls exhibit linguistic syntax, communicating specific details including a predator's type, size, color of clothing or fur, and approach speed.
- Scientific name
- Cynomys gunnisoni
- Taxonomy
- Animalia › Chordata › Mammalia › Rodentia › Sciuridae › Cynomys
- IUCN Red List status
- Least Concern
- Population trend
- decreasing
- Biome
- grassland
- Habitat
- High-elevation sagebrush-steppe, montane valleys, and semi-arid grasslands
- Diet
- Grasses, sedges, forbs, roots, and occasionally insects
- Range
- United States (Colorado), United States (New Mexico), United States (Arizona), United States (Utah)
- Size
- 30-38 cm (12-15 in) length; 0.65-1.2 kg (1.4-2.6 lbs)
- Lifespan
- 3-5 years in the wild
- Active
- diurnal
- Threats
- Sylvatic plague outbreaks, habitat conversion, poisoning campaigns, and recreational shooting
- Safe to approach?
- Generally harmless but defensive if cornered. Maintain a safe distance of at least 20 to 30 feet to avoid stressing colonies. Never handle or feed them, as wild colonies can harbor fleas infected with sylvatic plague (Yersinia pestis). If bitten or scratched, thoroughly wash the wound with soap and water immediately and seek prompt medical attention.
Gunnison's prairie dog ( Cynomys gunnisoni ) is one of five species of the prairie dog. This species belongs to the squirrel family of rodents, and are predominantly related to the North American and Eurasian ground squirrels. Gunnison’s prairie dogs are primarily distributed in the Four Corners region of the United States.
Photo: CK2AZ, CC-BY, via iNaturalist
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