During my recent visit to the Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge in Oklahoma, I had the opportunity to capture some amazing shots of the adorable Black-tailed Prairie Dog mom and pup. These social rodents are fascinating creatures that are commonly found in the Great Plains of North America.
Black-tailed Prairie Dogs are highly social animals that live in underground burrows in large communities called towns. They use a complex system of vocalizations and behaviors to communicate with each other and have even been observed engaging in “kissing” and “hugging” behaviors to strengthen social bonds.
One interesting fact about Black-tailed Prairie Dogs is that they have a sophisticated warning system that allows them to alert others in their town of potential danger. They have a specific call for different predators such as hawks, coyotes, and humans, and will also differentiate between threats from the air and threats on the ground.
In addition to their fascinating social behavior, Black-tailed Prairie Dogs are also incredibly cute, especially their young. Pups are born underground and are initially blind and hairless, but within a few weeks, they start to explore their surroundings and develop a playful personality. These little ones are often seen chasing each other and playing “king of the mountain” on top of their burrows.
It was a truly special experience to capture the bond between the Black-tailed Prairie Dog mom and her pup. Watching them interact and play together was a heartwarming moment that I will always treasure. I feel grateful for the opportunity to photograph these fascinating animals and share their story with others.
Gear Used:
- Camera:Â Canon EOS R5
- Lens: RF100-500Â mm F4.5-7.1 L IS USM
Technical:
- Location: Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge (Oklahoma)
- Date and Time Taken: May 1, 2022 (02:53 P. M.)
- Exposure Mode: Manual
- Aperture: f7.1
- Shutter speed: 1/1250
- ISO: 800 (Auto)
- Focal Length: 500 mm
Here is another photo of the Prairie Dog:Â Black-tailed Prairie Dog With Muddy Nose