Prairie Dog Species
Colorado Prairie Dogs
Black-tailed Prairie Dog (Cynomys ludovicianus)
White-tailed Prairie Dog (Cynomys leucurus)
Gunnison's Prairie Dog (Cynomys gunnisoni)
Non-Colorado Prairie Dogs
Utah Prairie Dog (Cynomys parvidens)
Mexican Prairie Dog (Cynomys mexicanus)
Black-tailed prairie dogs are the most abundant species of all, and can be commonly found on the Front Range and eastern plains of Colorado. They are easily distinguished by a black-tipped tail.
White-tailed prairie dogs can be found in the Northwest region of Colorado. They can be found at higher elevations than black-tailed. This species is distinguished by a white-tipped tail and a black spot above each eye.
Gunnison's prairie dog can be found in the south-central and southwest region of Colorado. They sport a gray-tipped tail and are not restricted to prairie habitat, but can even be found up in mountain valleys and plateaus.
Utah Prairie dogs are not found in Colorado, but rather only in the western part of Utah. They also have a white-tipped tail and unique black patterns above their eyes and down their back.
The Mexican prairie dog looks remarkably similar to black-tailed prairie dogs. However, this species is only found in Central Mexico and has black extending further down its tail.
Pictures and species ranges are courtesy of Prairie Wildlife Research through CC.