Nighttime aboveground movements by prairie dogs on colonies inhabited by black-footed ferrets

Authors

David A. Eads, University of Missouri, ColumbiaFollow
Jennifer G. Chipault, Colorado State University, Fort CollinsFollow
Dean E. Biggins, U.S. Geological Survey, Fort Collins Science Center, Fort Collins, ColoradoFollow
Travis M. Livieri, Prairie Wildlife Research, Wellington, ColoradoFollow
Joshua J. Millspaugh, University of Missouri, ColumbiaFollow

Abstract

We describe observations of black-tailed prairie dogs (Cynomys ludovicianus) emerging aboveground at night, apparently in response to wild-born and captive-born black-footed ferrets (Mustela nigripes) in South Dakota and New Mexico, respectively. We also discuss other similar observations accumulated on black-tailed prairie dog colonies as well as observations of white-tailed prairie dogs (Cynomys leucurus) making nighttime movements, apparently in response to pre-reintroduction ferrets in Wyoming. Our observations suggest that, in addition to documented daytime defenses against ferrets, prairie dogs reduce vulnerability to predation by ferrets by using evasive movements at night.

Recommended Citation

Eads, David A.; Chipault, Jennifer G.; Biggins, Dean E.; Livieri, Travis M.; and Millspaugh, Joshua J. (2010) "Nighttime aboveground movements by prairie dogs on colonies inhabited by black-footed ferrets," Western North American Naturalist: Vol. 70: No. 2, Article 18.
Available at: https://scholarsarchive.byu.edu/wnan/vol70/iss2/18