Prairie dogs are burrowing rodents known for their distinctive bark-like calls. These animals are actually a species of ground squirrel within the genus Cynomys. Five species exist, including the widely known Black-tailed Prairie Dog. Their natural historical range spans from southern Canada down to northern Mexico, primarily west of the Mississippi River, tied to the Great Plains ecosystem.
The Definitive Answer Non-Native Presence
No species of prairie dog is native to California. The state’s natural ecosystem includes various native ground squirrels and gophers, but none of the five Cynomys species are part of this historical fauna. Their native range stops far short of the Sierra Nevada mountains and the state’s eastern border.
Any prairie dog population currently existing in the wild is the result of accidental or illegal human introduction. These populations typically originate from animals that have escaped the exotic pet trade. They are classified as non-native species, meaning they are subject to regulatory control by state agencies.
Species and Distribution in California
The Black-tailed Prairie Dog (Cynomys ludovicianus) is the species most commonly found in non-native populations, due to its prevalence in the former exotic pet trade. Small, isolated colonies have occasionally been reported, particularly in Southern California. The animals are not established across large tracts of land, but rather in localized areas where escaped pets have managed to survive and reproduce.
These non-native colonies are geographically isolated and often short-lived, with no known large, persistent “towns” comparable to those found in the Great Plains states. Their presence is usually concentrated in disturbed habitats or near human settlements, such as urban parks or agricultural fields. California’s varied environment does not easily support large-scale colonization.
Legal Status and Management
The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) classifies all prairie dog species as restricted animals under Title 14 of the California Code of Regulations, Section 671. This regulation makes it illegal to import, transport, or possess a prairie dog as a pet without a specific permit. Permits are typically only issued for highly controlled purposes like scientific research or public exhibition.
Prairie dogs pose a threat because they can outcompete native ground squirrels for resources and habitat. They are also carriers of the fleas responsible for transmitting sylvatic plague, a bacterial disease (Yersinia pestis) that can infect humans and wildlife populations. When non-native colonies are discovered, local and state agencies often undertake control measures to prevent them from establishing a permanent population.