Canada/Saskatchewan: Grasslands NP – Black-Footed Prairie Dogs

Grasslands National Park in Saskatchewan is home to Canada’s only black-tailed prairie dog colonies. These colonies cover around 14 sq km with an estimated population of about 5,000 prairie dogs. Black-tailed prairie dogs (Cynomys ludovicianus) are social rodents and their colonies are known as “towns.” Interestingly, prairie dogs’ range and population has shrunk over 95% over the years as deceases and human encroachment wipe the animal out. Their communication system is one of the most complex in the animal world and they use specific “barks” to signal different predators and their size and actions. Oh, and the mate only once a year for one hour!