Plague in Gunnison’s prairie dogs

Plague in Gunnison’s prairie dogs

Plague, caused by a non-native bacteria and carried by fleas can kill all prairie dogs in a colony, leading to local extinctions that threaten the overall survival of the Gunnison’s prairie dog (Cynomys gunnisoni) in Colorado. Unmanaged plague has the potential to reduce populations of the Gunnison’s prairie dog to the point that a listing as federally endangered or threatened becomes more likely. Such a listing would not only underscore the need for additional conservation, it could also limit land uses for agriculture and recreation.

Colorado Parks & Wildlife

Gunnison’s prairie dog

Plague

Fact sheet

2 pages

2014-05

Fact Sheet

application/pdf

English

Colorado Parks and Wildlife