Polaroid of the Week: Colorado's Cutest Prairie Dog
I have a soft spot for the cuter rodent species commonly spotted across the US, like squirrels—something my partner Jess doesn't quite share. But during our first trip to Colorado last fall, I was captivated by these furry little creatures popping their heads out of ground holes along roads in the Denver and Boulder areas.
These turned out to be prairie dogs, a species I'd never encountered before—and even Jess couldn't resist watching them! They're truly remarkable once you learn more. Prairie dogs build intricate underground tunnel systems with chambers for sleeping, nurseries, and even toilets, marked by dirt mounds at entrances. The largest known prairie dog town, in Texas, spanned 25,000 square miles and housed around four million individuals. Near us, a local colony thrived in just over two suburban acres.
Approach too closely, and a sentinel prairie dog stands upright atop a burrow, emitting a shrill yelp to warn the colony of danger. The others dash to safety while the alert caller lingers until the last moment. Despite their vigilant communities, prairie dog numbers have plummeted over 98% from a historical population of five billion, largely due to the conversion of Great Plains into pastureland.
Naturally wary of humans—their primary threat—they're challenging to photograph. On our recent return to Colorado, I discovered an effective, non-intrusive method: shooting from the car with a telephoto lens, like a wildlife paparazzo. That's how I captured this adorable shot!
Don't you agree they're utterly cute?
