Norristown in Montgomery County, Pennsylvania — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
The Black-Tailed Prairie Dog
Grasslands
The black-tailed prairie dog is the most widespread prairie dog, ranging from northern Mexico to southern Canada. In the early 1900s, their population was thought to be about 5 billion! However, when settlers came to the Plains, the prairie dogs were seen as pests. The underground towns were destroyed and the prairie dogs were poisoned. With all the changes to the land, the prairie dog population is only one percent of what it once was.
Today, the government and land owners practice prairie dog control to balance ranch land with prairie dog habitats.
How many prairie dogs were in the biggest prairie dog town?
400 million!
Fast Facts
14 to 17 inches long.
Eats grasses, small plants, some insects.
Live in underground tunnels called "towns".
Named by French explorers for their "barking" noise.
Erected by Elmwood Park Zoo.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Animals • Environment.
Location. 40° 7.886′ N, 75° 20.4′ W. Marker is in Norristown, Pennsylvania, in Montgomery County. Marker can be reached from the intersection of Harding Boulevard and Chain Street
this page online
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Elk (within shouting distance of this marker); Bison (within shouting distance of this marker); a different marker also named Bison (within shouting distance of this marker); a different marker also named Bison (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Did You Know? (about 300 feet away); Bald Eagle (about 600 feet away); Peregrine Falcon (about 600 feet away); Nene (about 600 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Norristown.
Credits. This page was last revised on November 22, 2022. It was originally submitted on November 22, 2022, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 85 times since then and 11 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on November 22, 2022, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.
Editor’s want-list for this marker. Photo of the additional nearby sign as part of the display (might possibly qualify for its own profile, depending on content). • Can you help?
