Search Dictionary
Definition of black-tailed prairie dog
black-tailed prairie dog
Plural:black-tailed prairie dogs
• noun
1
North American A stout, burrowing rodent belonging to the squirrel family, native to the Great Plains of North America, and characterized by a distinctive black-tipped tail and a highly social structure organized into complex underground colonies.
Example
"Conservationists recognize the black-tailed prairie dog as a keystone species, since its extensive burrow networks provide vital shelter for burrowing owls, snakes, and the endangered black-footed ferret."
Word Nuance & Usage
Despite the common name 'dog', the black-tailed prairie dog is actually a species of ground squirrel or burrowing rodent.
• Nearby Words
Usage Trend
Historical frequency of usage in published text.
180019102020
Data source: Google Books Ngram Viewer
Cite this Entry
Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Black-tailed prairie dog. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Oct 17, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/black-tailed%20prairie%20dog