Are There Prairie Dogs in Wyoming?
Yes, prairie dogs are found in Wyoming, particularly in the eastern part of the state where extensive grasslands provide ideal habitat. Both black-tailed and white-tailed prairie dogs live in Wyoming, with colonies distributed across the High Plains and grassland regions. Wyoming hosts some of the most significant prairie dog populations in North America.
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
- 1,375
- GBIF records
Yes, prairie dogs are in Wyoming. Next you'll want:
Yes, prairie dogs are found in Wyoming, particularly in the eastern part of the state where extensive grasslands provide ideal habitat. Both black-tailed and white-tailed prairie dogs live in Wyoming, with colonies distributed across the High Plains and grassland regions. Wyoming hosts some of the most significant prairie dog populations in North America.
Where Prairie Dogs Are Found in Wyoming
Prairie dogs are well established throughout eastern Wyoming, where short-grass prairies and semi-arid grasslands provide ideal habitat. The most abundant prairie dog colonies are found in the High Plains region extending from the Nebraska border northward through Campbell, Converse, and Niobrara counties. The Thunder Basin National Grassland in northeastern Wyoming contains extensive prairie dog towns. The Meeteetse area in northwestern Wyoming supports a significant population of white-tailed prairie dogs at higher elevations. Black-tailed prairie dogs are found throughout the Powder River Basin and in grassland areas east of the Bighorn Mountains. Smaller populations occur in portions of central Wyoming where grassland habitat persists. The Laramie Basin and surrounding semi-arid grasslands support scattered colonies. Badlands areas in northeastern Wyoming provide habitat for active prairie dog towns. Many colonies are found on both public lands managed by the Bureau of Land Management and on private ranches throughout the state. Learn more by visiting ourWyoming wildlife guide. Prairie dog populations fluctuate based on weather conditions, disease, and land management practices throughout the state.
Season and Timing
Prairie dogs in Wyoming are most active and visible from April through September when they spend significant time above ground foraging and maintaining their colonies. Spring emergence from winter hibernation typically occurs in March and early April as temperatures warm. During spring months, prairie dogs are particularly active establishing territories and breeding. Summer is when prairie dogs are most visible and active above ground, spending long hours foraging for grasses, seeds, and herbs. Young prairie dogs are born in underground chambers during spring and emerge from burrows in late May and June. Late summer brings the busiest period for foraging as prairie dogs accumulate fat reserves for winter. Fall months from September through October mark the transition period as prairie dogs prepare burrows for winter hibernation. By November, prairie dogs enter a state of torpor or hibernation inside their burrow systems, remaining largely inactive for the winter months. Winter hibernation in Wyoming can last five to six months depending on weather conditions and colony location. Prairie dog activity resumes as spring approaches and temperatures increase. Visitprairie dog habitatsduring warm months for the best viewing opportunities. The seasonal pattern in Wyoming closely matches the state's dramatic temperature and precipitation changes.
How to Identify a Prairie Dog
Prairie dogs are medium-sized ground squirrels, typically weighing 1 to 3 pounds and measuring 12 to 15 inches in body length. Their fur is golden brown to tan, with darker markings along the back and sides and a lighter colored belly. They have small rounded ears set on the sides of their head, small black eyes, and a distinctive short fluffy tail with a black tip. Prairie dogs have powerful front legs and sharp claws specifically adapted for digging extensive burrow systems and excavating tunnel networks. Their name comes from their distinctive vocal calls, which sound remarkably like a dog's bark and serve as critical alarm signals. Males and females look similar, though males are generally larger than females. White-tailed prairie dogs have slightly paler coloring compared to black-tailed prairie dogs found throughout Wyoming. Their teeth are adapted for chewing tough prairie vegetation and grinding seeds. The strong build of prairie dogs distinguishes them from smaller ground squirrels and chipmunks found in Wyoming. Learn more about identifying prairie dogs by visiting theprairie dog guide. Young prairie dogs develop their distinctive coloring and body shape within a few months of birth in spring.
Where Prairie Dogs Concentrate in Wyoming
Prairie dog colonies in Wyoming are most concentrated in northeastern counties where the High Plains grasslands are most extensive. The Powder River Basin contains one of Wyoming's largest prairie dog concentrations with colonies covering thousands of acres. Thunder Basin National Grassland in Campbell and Converse counties hosts numerous active colonies visible from public access roads and trails. The Meeteetse area in Park County and surrounding grasslands support significant white-tailed prairie dog populations in higher elevation prairie habitat. The Shirley Basin area southeast of Rawlins contains prairie dog colonies in semi-arid grassland terrain. Badlands regions in northeastern Wyoming provide distinctive habitat where prairie dogs have established stable populations. The plains east of Gillette support extensive prairie dog towns that attract visitors and wildlife photographers. State wildlife areas in northeastern Wyoming, including areas near Ucross and the North Fork area, provide access to viewing prairie dog colonies. Bureau of Land Management lands throughout the region contain numerous active prairie dog towns. To experience Wyoming prairie dogs in their natural habitat, visitwildlife habitatsor state-managed grassland areas. Seasonal weather conditions can affect colony visibility and activity throughout these regions.
Typical Behavior and Social Structure
Prairie dogs in Wyoming are highly social animals that live in complex underground areas called colonies or towns. A single prairie dog town can contain thousands of individuals organized into smaller family groups known as coteries. Each coterie typically consists of a breeding male and female with their offspring from multiple years. Wyoming prairie dogs are active during daylight hours and spend much of their time foraging for grasses, seeds, herbs, and occasionally insects. They communicate constantly using a advanced system of barks, chirps, and other vocalizations that warn the colony of specific predator types and their locations. Their burrow systems serve as shelter from harsh Wyoming winters, protection from predators, and nurseries for young. Prairie dogs engage in mutual grooming and play behavior, strengthening social bonds within their groups. They are herbivorous and feed primarily on native prairie plants, playing an important role in grassland ecosystems. Young prairie dogs are born in underground chambers in spring and emerge from burrows in late May and June. The social structure of Wyoming prairie dogs reflects the complex organization necessary for colony survival in the state's challenging environment.
Coexistence and Safety Notes
Prairie dogs in Wyoming are managed by the Wyoming Game and Fish Department, which designates them as non-game animals without special protection status. Landowners and public land managers can legally control prairie dog populations using various methods. Some conservation groups work to preserve prairie dog colonies as important parts of grassland ecosystems. Black-footed ferrets, an endangered species, depend almost entirely on prairie dog colonies for survival, making prairie dog conservation important for other species. The relationship between prairie dogs and livestock grazing has been studied extensively in Wyoming grassland systems. Some ranchers view prairie dog colonies negatively as competitors for forage, while others recognize their ecological value. Plague, caused by the bacterium Yersinia pestis, can affect Wyoming prairie dog populations, sometimes causing dramatic colony die-offs. The Wyoming Game and Fish Department monitors prairie dog populations and their health status. Public lands often support prairie dog colonies that can be observed during daylight hours. Visitors should never attempt to feed prairie dogs or handle them, as wild animals can carry diseases. Learn more about wildlife safety and coexistence by visiting theWyoming wildlife guide.
Common Species People Confuse with Prairie Dogs
Several ground-dwelling rodents in Wyoming might be mistaken for prairie dogs, though each has distinct characteristics. Wyoming ground squirrels are much smaller than prairie dogs, typically weighing less than half a pound. Thirteen-lined ground squirrels have distinctive striped patterns on their backs that prairie dogs lack. Rock squirrels found in rocky areas of Wyoming have longer tails and different coloring compared to prairie dogs. Chipmunks in Wyoming are much smaller, measuring only 8 to 10 inches, and have distinctive facial stripes. Marmots in high elevation areas of Wyoming are much larger than prairie dogs, sometimes weighing 5 to 10 pounds. Yellow-bellied marmots have different coloring and body structure compared to prairie dogs. Groundhogs are found in northern Wyoming and are much larger than prairie dogs, weighing 5 to 14 pounds. Wyoming tree squirrels are arboreal and have different body proportions from prairie dogs. The social behavior of prairie dogs, living in large coordinated colonies, differs dramatically from the solitary habits of most other Wyoming rodents.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are prairie dogs common in Wyoming? Yes, prairie dogs are well established and relatively common in Wyoming, particularly in northeastern grassland counties. Both black-tailed and white-tailed prairie dogs occur in Wyoming with stable populations. When are prairie dogs most active in Wyoming? Prairie dogs are most active from April through September when they spend significant time above ground. Winter hibernation keeps them underground from November through March. Are prairie dog colonies safe to visit? Yes, prairie dog colonies are safe to view from a distance during daylight hours. Never approach colonies too closely or attempt to feed or touch the animals. Where can I see prairie dogs in Wyoming? The Thunder Basin National Grassland, Powder River Basin, and Meeteetse area offer the best opportunities to observe prairie dogs. The high plains east of Gillette also have accessible viewing areas during warm months.
Plan your prairie dog sighting in Wyoming
1,375 verified prairie dog records have been logged in Wyoming, most recently in 2026. See the GBIF records.
Where to look in Wyoming
- Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area · Wildlife Watching, Birdwatching · Find hotels
- Devils Tower National Monument · Wildlife Watching, Birdwatching · Find hotels
- Fossil Butte National Monument · Wildlife Watching, Birdwatching · Find hotels
- Grand Teton National Park · Wildlife Watching, Birdwatching · Find hotels
- Yellowstone National Park · Wildlife Watching, Birdwatching · Find hotels
- California National Historic Trail · Find hotels
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