Roberts Prairie Dog Town, Badlands N.P.
5 images 1 contributors Shoot with care
Sue Wolfe
Shoot with care
Be advised all plants, animals, rocks, minerals, and fossils within Badlands National Park are protected by federal law. Observe, photograph, and admire everything you see, but do not collect, pick, or disturb anything you find there.
About this spot
A great spot to photograph prairie dogs is on Sage Creek Rim Road (SD 590) at the spot known as Roberts Prairie Dog Town. This is the largest prairie dog town in Badlands N.P. If you are quiet, you will hear them communicate with each other with their high-pitched chattering.
These black-tailed prairie dogs—the most common species found in the U.S.—pop in and out of underground colonies called towns. Prairie dogs are part of the squirrel family. Each town has multiple entrances to give these little critters multiple escape routes. Approaching them will send them scurrying into their burrow, but if you keep a little distance between you, they will be about their daily activities—eating, standing guard, and repairing their tunnel network.
These colonies support a diverse range of wildlife including North America’s most endangered mammal—the black-footed ferret. The burrows also create shelter for jackrabbits and rattlesnakes.
Just a reminder—don’t approach them and do not feed them. They can become dependent on human food and lose their ability to provide for themselves. Another reason to keep your distance—the bubonic plague. Unfortunately, prairie dogs can be carriers and it can wipe out entire colonies.
These black-tailed prairie dogs—the most common species found in the U.S.—pop in and out of underground colonies called towns. Prairie dogs are part of the squirrel family. Each town has multiple entrances to give these little critters multiple escape routes. Approaching them will send them scurrying into their burrow, but if you keep a little distance between you, they will be about their daily activities—eating, standing guard, and repairing their tunnel network.
These colonies support a diverse range of wildlife including North America’s most endangered mammal—the black-footed ferret. The burrows also create shelter for jackrabbits and rattlesnakes.
Just a reminder—don’t approach them and do not feed them. They can become dependent on human food and lose their ability to provide for themselves. Another reason to keep your distance—the bubonic plague. Unfortunately, prairie dogs can be carriers and it can wipe out entire colonies.
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