Prairie Dogs

Have you heard the prairie dog sound its alarm? As prolific plant eaters, master burrowers, and carriers of flea-borne plague, prairie dogs have a noticeable influence on their environment.

 

NPS Photo

The Gunnison’s prairie dog (Cynomys gunnisoni) inhabits the sagebrush and grassland environment of Curecanti, living in colonies which are loosely organized into clans called coteries. They vary from other prairie dog species in color and tail length. Males are slightly larger than females.

This species is part of the Sciuridae family, which includes squirrels, chipmunks, marmots, and prairie dogs. They are very social creatures and have a well-developed communication system. Specialized alarm calls between prairie dogs are used to distinguish predators.

Gunnison’s prairie dogs emerge from hibernation around mid-March to late April. Each spring, they produce a litter of three to four pups. The pups stay in their burrows for at least a month before coming above ground. Usually by the end of June, a prairie dog “town” is bustling with activity as young start to emerge from the burrows.

Burrow systems extend for 15 to 86 feet (4.6 to 26.6 m), with several chambers used as nurseries, toilets, resting areas and air pockets in the event of flooding. Crater-like mounds are used as observation posts. A maze of burrows aerates the hard packed soil while providing dens, protection from predators, and hibernation space for mice, rabbits, ground squirrels, snakes and insects. Prairie dogs are preyed upon by coyotes, hawks, eagles, and badgers. Prairie dogs make up 75 percent of a golden eagle chick's diet.

Pest or friend?

Prairie dogs have long been considered pests. Early ranchers saw prairie dogs as responsible for overgrazed lands. On the contrary, it was only after cattle shortened the grasses and settlers killed predators that prairie dog poplutions increased. Recently, it has even been discovered that cattle and prairie dog colonies can actually benefit each other.

At Curecanti, the Gunnison’s prairie dog has eaten away the annual grasses and shrubs for food and to more easily watch for predators. Shorter perennial grasses, shrubs and flowers with more nutrients now grow amongst the colony borrows.

Concerns

At Curecanti, the prairie dog population presents a special concern. The prairie dog carries fleas that can harbor a plague bacteria (Yersinia pestiis) known to cause bubonic plague in humans.

Studies indicate that the plague usually appears when there is a stress in the prairie dog population. A major cause of stress is overpopulation. Most of the prairie dog’s natural predators have been reduced, and others, like the rattlesnake and black-footed ferret, do not exist at Curecanti. As prairie dog populations increase they are more susceptible to disease. In 1981, the entire colony at North Willow Creek on Blue Mesa Reservoir was killed by plague. In 2005, colonies at Elk Creek and Stevens Creek experienced a substantial die-off due to plague. When prairie dog colonies die, their predators, such as the golden eagle, must find other food sources or leave the area.

Wildlife Management

Curecanti follows an active management program to assure visitor safety and to maintain a healthy prairie dog population. Prairie dog colonies are constantly monitored for the existence of plague-carrying fleas. Fleas are collected from prairie dogs and their burrows for analysis. Flea populations are reduced by dusting prairie dog burrows with insecticide periodically.

Encouraging growth of high vegetation and establishing raptor perches to increase predation by hawks and eagles helps control the population. Ongoing scientific research is needed to determine best management strategies for prairie dog and recreational visitor coexistence.