Animals Similar to Prairie Dogs: 11 Species You Need to Know

Prairie dogs are fascinating creatures, but did you know that they have some close relatives in the animal kingdom? The groundhog is one of them, sharing many similarities with prairie dogs.

The groundhog's diet consists mainly of grasses, fruits, and vegetables, just like prairie dogs. They also have a similar burrowing behavior, often digging complex underground tunnels.

The chipmunk, another close relative, is known for its striped back and ability to cache food, similar to prairie dogs storing seeds in their burrows.

Prairie dogs have some fascinating similarities with other animals. One of them is the American beaver, which is also a rodent and native to some of the same regions as prairie dogs.

These two animals share a similar diet, with both being herbivores. American beavers mostly feed on aquatic plants, in addition to roots, tree bark, and other vegetation.

Another animal that shares similarities with prairie dogs is the beaver's fellow rodent family member, the prairie dog itself. But if you're looking for other animals, the prairie dog's family, Geomyidae, can be found in similar regions and also burrow for shelter.

Beavers are known for building sturdy dams in running water, which is a unique characteristic that sets them apart from prairie dogs.

If you're looking for animals similar to prairie dogs, you might want to consider the groundhog. Groundhogs are similar to prairie dogs in their burrowing habits.

One of the most notable similarities between groundhogs and prairie dogs is their love of digging. They both spend most of their time underground, creating complex networks of tunnels and dens.

Yellow-Bellied Marmots are large and stocky rodents, similar to prairie dogs, and they can be found in the western regions of North America.

They shelter in burrows, and will hibernate during the winter, making them a great example of a rodent that adapts to its environment.

These marmots can create burrows in grasslands or under rocks, depending on the terrain they are found in.

They can live alone, or share shelter with other yellow bellied marmots, showing their social side.

On a similar theme: Dog Names for Yellow Dogs

Meerkats are native to Africa, and look similar to the prairie dogs found throughout North America.

They have similar appearances, with bushy brown fur and distinct dark patches around their eyes.

Similar to prairie dogs, meerkats burrow in tunnels underground, digging various connecting tunnels and living in groups of several.

Meerkats are omnivores, eating vegetation in addition to insects and small reptiles.

Additional reading: Prairie Dogs Meerkats

Gophers are rodents that live underground, creating complex tunnel systems and burrows.

They have stocky bodies, short legs, and long sharp claws that help them dig.

Their fur is usually brown or black, and they have a distinctive flat, rounded head.

Gophers are herbivores, feeding on roots, tubers, and other underground plant material.

They are solitary animals and only come together to mate.

In the spring, gophers are active during the day, but in the summer, they are mostly nocturnal.

Gophers are found in a variety of habitats, including grasslands, forests, and deserts.

Their tunnels often have multiple entrances and exits, and can extend several feet underground.

Groundhogs have stocky bodies, typically between 16 and 27 inches long, including their tail.

Their fur is usually brown or reddish-brown on top and white or light-colored underneath.

Groundhogs have short, powerful legs and strong claws for digging burrows.

In the wild, groundhogs can live up to 10 years, although the average lifespan is about 6 years.

They are herbivores, primarily eating grasses, fruits, and vegetables, which they gather from their surroundings.

Groundhogs are also known as woodchucks, a name that comes from a Native American Algonquian word "wuchak", meaning "ground pig."