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The Mountain-Prairie Region consists of 8 states in the heart of the American west including Colorado, Kansas, Montana, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota, Utah and Wyoming.
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Where Wildlife Comes First
Created in 1903 by President Theodore Roosevelt, today's National Wildlife Refuge System protects habitats and wildlife across the country, from the Alaskan tundra to subtropical wetlands. Managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the Refuge System's 560-plus refuges cover more than 150 million acres and protect nearly 1,400 species of birds, mammals, reptiles, amphibians, and fish.
While national wildlife refuges were created to protect wildlife, they are for people too. Refuges are ideal places for people of all ages to explore and connect with the natural world. We invite you to learn more about and visit the national wildlife refuges and wetland management districts in Colorado, Kansas, Montana, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota, Utah, and Wyoming. - Visit a Refuge or District
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Gunnison's prairie dog
Resources: Candidate Conservation Agreements | Consultation | Habitat Conservation Plans | Permits | Safe Harbor Agreements | Species List
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Gunnison's prairie dog (Cynomys gunnisoni)
Species Description: The Gunnison's prairie dog (Cynomys gunnisoni) is a yellowish buff color mixed with black above; slightly paler below with a short, white-tipped tail. It is approximately 12-14 inches in length, between 12-15 inches tall, weighing about 23–42 ounces. The Gunnison's prairie dog is one of five species of prairie dog, all of which are native to North America. The Gunnison's prairie dog is a keystone species of the sagebrush ecosystem. They create habitat, provide food, and help keep the soil and plant communities healthy. For example, their abandoned burrows are used by burrowing owls, weasels, snakes, badgers, and even foxes. The prairie dog is an important food source for coyote, weasels, foxes, hawks, eagles, and the endangered black footed ferret. In addition, their burrowing helps to aerate the soil, add organic matter, and help to increase water penetration.
Location: The Gunnison's prairie dog occurs in the four corners area of Arizona, New Mexico, Colorado, and Utah.
