We've previously encountered the black-tailed prairie dog in several places, but while in New Mexico at the Valles Caldera we encountered a second species of prairie dog: Gunnison's prairie dog. There is a prairie dog town right next to the entrance station of Valles Caldera Natural Preserve at approximately 8,000 feet of elevation.
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| This prairie dog is right next to the entrance station. |
Gunnison''s prairie dog has a "yellow-toned buff" coat with black hairs. The upper head, cheeks and eyebrows are darker than the rest of the body. The tail is mostly white with light gray tips.
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| This youngster has the light gray tail visible. |
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This one has the blackish head and cheek |
They are found in the four corners area in portions of Utah, Colorado, Arizona and New Mexico. However, 75% of them are found in Arizona and New Mexico at elevations of 6,000 to 8,000 feet.
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| Gunnison's prairie dog range map from Wikipedia. |
Cute little fellers. They look like they would make fun pets, but looks can be deceiving.
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