Facts about the black-tailed prairie dog

With BC-CNS-Prairie Dogs

By Cronkite News Service

Here are some facts about black-tailed prairie dogs:

_ Size: 14 to 17 inches long.

_ Weight: 2 to 3 pounds

_ Lifespan: 3 to 5 years

_ Social Groups: Live in complexes of tunnels called towns, or colonies.

_ Relatives: No relationship to dogs; they are rodents.

_ Active: Sleep most of the day; most active in mornings and evenings.