Cynomys

Cynomys 

a genus of rodents comprising the prairie dogs; belongs to the family Sciuridae. Resembling the yellow suslik (Citellus fulvus) in appearance, the Cynomys have a body length of up to 40 cm and a tail length of 7 cm. The coloration is buff. There are five species, which are distributed on the plains and prairies, as well as on mountain plains (up to 3,200 m above sea level), of central and southern North America. They live in large colonies. The animals utter peculiar barklike sounds (hence the name “prairie dog”). The Cynomys are much less active in the winter and may hibernate. They feed on the aboveground parts of plants. There is one litter of up to ten offspring annually. The Cynomys are preyed upon by other animals. They are natural carriers of the causative agents of the bubonic plague.