Size: 12-16 in (30.5-40.5 cm) Habitat: Short grass prairie & Mountain meadows Diet: Grass, Forbs, Seeds, Insects Predators: Coyotes, foxes, badgers, eagles, owls, and rattlesnakes
General Biology:
Utah Prairie Dogs range from clay to reddish-brown, with short white-tipped tails and a black eyebrow (or stripe) above each eye that distinguishes them from the other four prairie dog species. Their range has declined by over 90% in the past century; therefore, they are now restricted to the southwestern corner of Utah.
Behavior:
Prairie dogs live in colonies, or "towns,” in meadows with short grasses. Each town consists of individual territories that are occupied by “families.” The groups consist of one dominant male, multiple females, and the young of the past two years. Towns range in structure and size but all contain multiple burrows ranging between 3-6 feet deep and 15 feet in length. Burrows can provide great refuge from birds of prey and larger predators, such as coyotes, but they can quickly become a place of vulnerability when smaller predators, such as rattlesnakes and badgers, come to the town. Therefore, burrows contain a plethora of entrance and exit points to allow for quick escape from predators.In addition to this, the colony will post lookouts to search for potential danger. When danger approaches, it will be met with barking and chasing. Due to long, harsh winters on the plateau, Utah Prairie Dogs hibernate. They will retreat to their burrows in October and hibernate until late March. Breeding begins in late March, occurs until late April, and truly relies on the availability of food and other resources. Gestation typically lasts around 30 days, and litter sizes range from 1–7 pups. Utah prairie dogs are considered slow reproducers in comparison to other rodents and have extremely high mortality rates. Fewer than 60% of young survive their first year, and only about 30% survive their second year.Prairie dogs have one of the most advanced animal languages that have been decoded. While we may only hear chirps and barks, complex and important conversations are being held. They have different warning calls for the different predators and threats they may encounter, as well as the ability to construct sentences that go into detail about the appearance of their predator. Younger prairie dogs cannot fully communicate until they are around 4 to 5 months old.
Conservation:
Prairie dogs are considered “keystone species,” meaning that the ecosystem would change drastically without the presence of this species. Their burrows contribute to aerated soils, allowing for increased plant growth. Prairie dogs also contribute to essential “predator-prey” relationships within the park, as they are prey for birds of prey, rattlesnakes, and badgers. In the early 1920’s, the Utah prairie dog population was at 95,000 individuals. Due to widespread poisoning, disease, and other eradication techniques, their population dropped to 3,000 individuals in the 1970s. The risk of extinction resulted in listing the Utah prairie dogs as an endangered species on the US Fish and Wildlife Service's list of Threatened and Endangered species. Bryce Canyon National Park reintroduction efforts were successful and resulted in a population of over 600 individuals and 10 different towns throughout the park.
Where to see at Bryce Canyon:
Utah prairie dogs can be seen in the meadows along the road, close to the visitor center, on sunny summer days. You will often see a couple of prairie dogs standing on their hind two legs, taking “lookout.” It is best to observe these animals from a safe distance; parasites such as fleas can potentially spread harmful diseases such as the sylvatic plague.
Last updated: August 6, 2024
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Contact Info
Mailing Address:
P.O Box 640201
Bryce,
UT
84764
Phone:
435 834-5322
Phones are answered and messages returned as soon as possible as staffing allows.
