Are There Prairie Dogs in Utah?
Yes, prairie dogs live in specific regions of Utah, particularly in the high mountain valleys and plateaus. Gunnison's prairie dog is the primary species, found in the state's central and southern portions. Black-tailed prairie dogs also occur in the northeastern corner near Wyoming. These social rodents thrive in mountain grasslands and valleys where suitable conditions exist.
By Tim, founder of Easy Street Markets. I maintain the wildlife database and verify every animal and source myself. Updated July 22, 2026.
Black-tailed Prairie Dog · Shawn Taylor CC BY
Black-tailed Prairie Dog · Meghan Cassidy CC BY-SA
Black-tailed Prairie Dog · Alessandro Franchini CC BY
- 1,416
- GBIF records
Yes, prairie dogs are in Utah. Next you'll want:
Yes, prairie dogs live in specific regions of Utah, particularly in the high mountain valleys and plateaus. Gunnison's prairie dog is the primary species, found in the state's central and southern portions. Black-tailed prairie dogs also occur in the northeastern corner near Wyoming. These social rodents thrive in mountain grasslands and valleys where suitable conditions exist.
Where Prairie Dogs Are Found in Utah
Gunnison's prairie dogs in Utah are primarily found in the central and southern portions, with established colonies in areas like the Escalante Valley and areas near Monticello. They occupy high elevation meadows and grasslands in Emery, San Juan, and Richfield counties. The Sevier Plateau region supports prairie dog populations in suitable valley habitats. Black-tailed prairie dogs occur in the northeastern part of the state in Utah's extension of the Wyoming high plains. The Uinta Basin has some populations in grassland areas. The Great Basin's high valleys provide habitat where elevation and vegetation create suitable conditions. These colonies are scattered across Utah's diverse landscape, often separated by forested or mountainous terrain. Learn more about Utah's wildlife by visiting/wildlife/utah.
Season and Activity Timing
Prairie dogs in Utah show distinct seasonal patterns reflecting the state's high elevation mountain climate. They are active year-round but visibility changes dramatically with seasons. From May through September, they are most active and visible, spending extended time aboveground foraging and maintaining colonies. March and April mark the breeding season, when vocalization increases. May births produce litters that become independent by late summer. Summer months represent peak visibility, with pups exploring above ground and colony members actively tending burrows. Fall activity remains high as animals prepare for winter. Winter reduces visible activity as animals remain primarily in burrows, though they do not hibernate and maintain active tunnel systems. Spring emergence begins in late February when weather moderates. For more on prairie dog in Utah, see ourUtah prairie dog guide.
How to Identify a Prairie Dog
Gunnison's prairie dogs are similar to their black-tailed cousins but with subtle differences. They measure 11 to 14 inches in length, slightly smaller than black-tailed prairie dogs, weighing 1 to 2.5 pounds. Their tail is shorter and more uniformly dark, lacking the prominent black tip of black-tailed prairie dogs. Their fur is yellowish-brown to reddish-brown, varying between individual animals. They have the same compact body shape built for digging, with short legs and small rounded ears. Their eyes are positioned on the sides of their head for predator detection while foraging. Their vocalizations are similar to black-tailed prairie dogs, consisting of sharp barks and alarm calls distinctive across the grassland. You can also browseUtah wildlife.
Where to See Prairie Dogs in Utah
The most accessible Gunnison's prairie dog colonies in Utah are found in the high valley regions of central and southern portions of the state. Near Monticello in San Juan County, established colonies exist on both private and some public land. The areas around Escalante Valley support populations in grassland habitat. Some colonies occur near Richfield in Sevier County. In northeastern Utah, black-tailed prairie dog colonies exist in the higher elevation portions of the Uinta Basin. Public lands including Bureau of Land Management areas and portions of the Manti-La Sal National Forest may provide viewing opportunities with permission. County roads providing overlooks to valley grasslands offer safe viewing points. Early morning visits are most productive for observation. Check/wildlifefor additional Utah grassland wildlife information.
Typical Prairie Dog Behavior
Utah prairie dogs, whether Gunnison's or black-tailed species, are highly social colony animals with complex social hierarchies and communication systems. Colony members maintain organized burrow systems with multiple entrances and interconnected tunnels beneath the grassland surface. They are diurnal, active during daylight hours, sleeping in burrows at night. Their diet consists entirely of grasses, forbs, roots, and other vegetation. Females produce annual litters averaging 4 to 5 pups in spring. These pups emerge from burrows in early summer and become independent by late summer. Males are territorial and will defend their burrow area against rival males. Colony members use distinct vocalizations to communicate about predators, food availability, and social information within the group. See all of ourwildlife guides.
Coexistence and Legal Status
Utah prairie dogs have complex legal status. Gunnison's prairie dogs are listed as threatened under the Endangered Species Act, making conservation a priority in the state. Black-tailed prairie dogs in Utah have no special protection. Unauthorized collection of Gunnison's prairie dogs is illegal. Some lands are managed specifically for prairie dog conservation. Landowners on private property may have restrictions regarding prairie dog management. The Utah Division of Wildlife Resources provides guidelines for prairie dog observation and conservation. Prairie dogs play vital ecological roles, providing food for eagles, coyotes, badgers, and snakes. Their burrows improve soil structure through aeration. Visit/wildlife/utah/prairie-dogfor conservation guidelines and legal information.
Similar Species Easily Confused with Prairie Dogs
In Utah's mountain valleys, prairie dogs are occasionally confused with ground squirrels or marmots. Utah ground squirrels are smaller and have striped markings prairie dogs lack. Marmots are larger and heavier, with different fur coloring and mountain habitat preferences. Chipmunks found at higher elevations are distinctly smaller and more arboreal. Pocket gophers leave mounding evidence but are solitary burrowers creating only single tunnel systems. The distinctive colonial burrow patterns and characteristic upright posture of prairie dogs quickly distinguish them. Black-tailed jackrabbits share some habitat but are distinctly larger with prominent ears. Badgers hunt prairie dogs but are much larger, solitary carnivores rather than social herbivorous rodents.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Are prairie dogs protected in Utah? A: Gunnison's prairie dogs are federally listed as threatened and are protected. Black-tailed prairie dogs have no special protection in the state. Q: Can I collect or keep Utah prairie dogs? A: Collecting Gunnison's prairie dogs is illegal without permits. Check current regulations before any collection attempts. Q: What predators hunt prairie dogs in Utah? A: Coyotes, badgers, eagles, hawks, snakes, and weasels all hunt prairie dogs opportunistically. Q: When is the best time to observe colonies? A: May through September offers optimal viewing conditions when animals are most active aboveground.
Plan your prairie dog sighting in Utah
1,416 verified prairie dog records have been logged in Utah, most recently in 2026. See the GBIF records.
Where to look in Utah
- Bryce Canyon National Park · Wildlife Watching, Birdwatching · Find hotels
- Capitol Reef National Park · Wildlife Watching, Birdwatching · Find hotels
- Cedar Breaks National Monument · Wildlife Watching, Birdwatching · Find hotels
- Dinosaur National Monument · Wildlife Watching, Birdwatching · Find hotels
- Zion National Park · Wildlife Watching, Birdwatching · Find hotels
- Arches National Park · Find hotels
More places to see prairie dog
More wildlife in Utah