Are Richardsons ground squirrels the same as prairie dogs?
No; although they are close relatives of prairie dogs, Richardson’s ground squirrels are a separate species. Superficially, Richardson’s ground squirrels (Spermophilus richardsonii) look like black-tailed prairie dogs (Cynomys ludovicianus), but black-tailed prairie dogs are larger and have a shorter tail with a conspicuous black tip. Richardson’s ground squirrels and black-tailed prairie dogs overlap geographically in areas such as southern Saskatchewan and Montana. For further information, see Similar Species.
