Horrible photos but...I didn't know they roamed about here.

[Solly Mack]

Camera phone through glass and a screen. I didn't want to risk scaring him off.

Black-tailed prairie dogs aka the "Louisiana Prairie dog" (down here, anyway)





I was working on my garden paths and other things when I went back inside to fetch a needed item. I saw him through the window on my way back. I believe he lives near the Bee Balm now. I will have to remedy that, sadly. Not harm him - just evict him. The rains must have kept him hidden until now. It does explain the recent constant barking of my dogs now. I was accusing them of arguing with the wind.

[elleng]

1. Sweet!

[Solly Mack]

2. I'm close to Texas and maybe they are migrating. Maybe he's someone's pet.

I read that they can be found in lower Louisiana, coming from Texas. Rarely found, but still found.

[enough]

3. You may not be happy with the photos, but the character of the subject comes through

very clearly.

[Solly Mack]

4. He seemed very tame - and bold.

Thanks.

[flamin lib]

5. Cute lil guy. Relocating may be a real issue tho.

When I20 was being expanded on N sided of Ft Worth in the 80s it covered a prairie dog town. The local wildlife refuge tried to capture and reestablish the colony 40 miles away. It took a year of catch-release, lather rince and repeat. Even at that they picked a place kinda sorta close but not exactly where they were supposed to move to.

Very territorial and tenatious.

Ever see two of them hug each other? Too cute for words and better than the best cat pic out there! And I didn't have a camera -- or cell phone .

[Solly Mack]

6. I've long held a fondness for the critters and have had them crawl over me.

They do enjoy hugging each other and it can melt the heart when they do.

I'm thinking maybe this little fellow was a pet. My neighbor told me a few minutes ago that it crawled into his lap and snuggled down. He was sitting outside and it startled him by climbing into his lap. The little guy ran off shortly after.

I've checked the Bee Balm and there doesn't seem to be a burrow, so maybe he has found shelter along the fence nearby. It's dark out now, so I'll walk along the fence-line tomorrow.

I hope, if he is a pet, that he has made his way back home.

[CaliforniaPeggy]

7. Maybe he thinks of you as HOME, now, my dear Solly Mack!

I love the photos!

[Solly Mack]

9. As cute as he is, I hope not. I'd worry about my dogs & the pd too much.

My dogs were bred to be small - medium animal hunters. The prairie dog is too much temptation. I don't want to see my dogs or the cutie injured. Two of my dogs were bred to burrow to hunt. Not good for the prairie dog at all. My Feist was bred to tree squirrels.

None of them have ever killed another animal and I'd like to keep it that way.

Thank you, though!!

[yellowdogintexas]

16. that village at the FW Nature center is neat. Also at the FW zoo.

I assume you meant the FW Nature Center, Is there a different location of which I am not aware?

[getagrip_already]

8. feed her, toss her a joint, and...

sign her up to vote. It will drive kobach and sessions nuts. But, she is a native citizen, and entitled to live in her
(not your) garden.

[Solly Mack]

10. Not sure it would share a joint and that's reason enough to not toss one.

Doubtful it cares about anything other than the bird seed, corn, and dandelions.

[mnhtnbb]

11. Through the window shots used to be among my favorites

in trying to get a photo of wildlife at our house.

I took possession of my 17th floor downtown apartment yesterday. I'm going to miss the birds--especially hummers--deer,
squirrels, opossum, and other critters that I used to catch a glance of from the windows.

Nice shots!

[Solly Mack]

12. I hope the elevator never breaks down.

I did "stairwell living" when I lived in Germany, without an elevator, eight flights. Grocery day was a challenge.

Some birds of prey actually like making their nests on the window sills and outcroppings of high rise buildings in the city. You may still get hawks and falcons.

Thanks! and Happy new home!!

[mnhtnbb]

15. There are three elevators so the chance of all three

breaking down at the same time is minimal. Fingers crossed.

I have a friend in New York who is living in a third floor walk up. But 8! Yikes! You must have been in great shape with
all the walking and stairs.

[locks]

13. We've been working for many years in Colorado to save our prairie dog

colonies as more and more people move here and our cities are extended. Though they multiply quickly all the colonies are declining. They can be relocated but it is not easy. They are a joy to watch, families stay together, hug each other and take care of the little ones. When we pass by on the trails the appointed guard whistles and makes sure all can get into the dens. They are very smart and can identify who or what is nearby including dogs, coyotes, and different hawks and eagles. They are needed in the food chain and we feel lucky to have them all around Boulder and in the foothills.

[Solly Mack]

14. I used to live in the Springs and enjoyed watching them.

This was many years ago. They are adorable animals.