prairie dog is a N. American rodent of the genus Cynomys, of the squirrel family Sciuridae. There are five species, of which that with the greatest range is the black-tailed prairie dog C. ludovicianus which inhabits the great plains of the USA. The name ‘prairie dog’ comes from its distinctive bark, like that of a dog. These animals construct systems of tunnels underground, so elaborate that they can be referred to as ‘prairie dog villages’ or ‘prairie dog towns’.
woodchuck, which are of generally similar appearance and size, are sometimes referred to, incorrectly, as prairie dogs. They make very good eating. The prairie dog itself, according to Schwabe (1979), ‘is still commonly eaten by Indians and has a slightly “earthy” taste’. Intensive efforts by ranchers to eradicate the animal have led to a diminution in population; it is now a candidate for the endangered species list.
