Prairie Dogs

Prairie Dogs are burrowing rodents that live in colonies called towns. The most abundant and commonly found species is the black-tailed prairie dog (Cynomys ludovicianus).

Identification

• Length: 14” to 17” long.
• Weight: 2 to 3 lbs.
• Tan hide with a white or buff belly.
• Tips of tails covered with short black hair.
• Short ears.
• Large black eyes.

Behavior

• Prairie Dogs are diurnal.
• Most species are active year round, but may briefly go dormant during the coldest parts of the year.
• Prairie Dogs dig intricate burrows systems with funnel shaped openings of 3” to 4” in diameter.
• Burrows are typically inhabited by 1 male and multiple females with offspring.
• Prairie Dogs are almost exclusively herbivores, dining on native vegetation.

Problems

• Prairie dogs feed on many of the same grasses that livestock feed on.
• Dietary overlap ranges from 64% to 90%
• Prairie dogs begin feeding on pastures and rangeland in early spring, reducing available forage
• Prairie dog burrows increase soil erosion and are a threat to livestock, machinery, and horses with riders.
• Damage may also occur to ditch banks, field trails, and roads
• Prairie Dogs have tested positive for plague, which is most often transmitted by fleas, which can be fatal to humans

Reproduction

• Sexual Maturity is reached in 1 to 2 years.
• Gestation period is 30 days.
• Prairie Dogs have 1 litter per year.
• Life span is 3 to 5 years. 

Control Methods

• Hunting Parties
  • Typically, not cost effective.
  • May slow population growth in a given year.
  • Not good for eliminating entire populations.
  • Not good for large infestations or for long term control.
• Fumigants
  • Only work well for small infestations or as a secondary method of control after baiting.
  • Only effective in compact and moist soils.
  • Can be dangerous to non-target species.
  • Expensive.
• Natural Predators
  • Coyotes
  • Bobcats
  • Black-Footed Ferrets
  • Eagles
  • Falcons
• Sylvatic Plague
  • First documented in Lubbock, TX in 1946.
  • 13% of human plague cases are attributed to Prairie Dogs according to the CDC.
  • Plague outbreaks cause nearly 100% mortality in Dog Towns.
  • Plague has been transmitted to humans.
• Poison Baits
  • ZP AG contains the active ingredient Zinc Phosphide
  • Zinc Phosphide is an effective toxicant for controlling Prairie Dogs
  • Pre-baiting is typically recommended for best results
  • ZP Ag is a Restricted Use Pesticide – see product label for complete application details