Albino Prairie Dog

The prairie dog (Cynomys) is a small, burrowing rodent native to the grasslands of North America. On average, this stout-bodied rodent will grow to be between 12 and 16 inches long, including its short tail. They are found in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. In the U.S., prairie dogs are primarily found west of the Mississippi River, though they have also been introduced in a few eastern locales.

Prairie dogs are named for their habitat and warning call, which is similar to a dog's bark. According to the Online Etymology Dictionary, the name is attested from at least 1774. The 1804 journals of the Lewis and Clark Expedition note that in September 1804, they "discovered a Village of an animal the french Call the Prarie Dog."

Photo 649, Sept 2007, Prairie Homestead South Dakota

Day 6, Albino Prairie Dog at The Prairie Homestead

Photo 650, Sept 2007 South Dakota

Day 6, Albino Prairie Dog at The Prairie Homestead

Photo 651, Sept 2007 South Dakota

Day 6, Badlands of South Dakota, Prarie Dog

Photo 675, Sept 2007 South Dakota