The black-tailed prairie dog is the largest of the prairie dog species, weighing 700 to 1500 grams and measuring 28 to 33 centimeters from nose to tail (Burt and Grossenheider 1976, Hoogland and Foltz 1982). The overall color of the back and upper sides of the body and tail is generally dark cinnamon with buff coloring on the underside (Burt and Grossenheider 1976, Anderson 1972, Hall 1981). The distal third of the tail is black or dark brown (Hall 1981). They molt twice per year, prior to summer and prior to winter. The skull is about 60 centimeters long, with 22 teeth (Burt and Grossenheider 1976).
Amphibians are ectothermic vertebrate animals that live on both land and in water, lack scales, and produce external gelatinous eggs requiring moist conditions. Montana is home to breeding populations of almost 15 amphibian species.
Birds are endothermic vertebrate animals that possess feathers and produce external eggs. Montana is home to breeding populations of over 250 bird species. In addition, over 170 bird species visit our state during their spring and fall migration journeys.
Fish are aquatic, ectothermic animals with backbones and have fins and gills throughout life. Montana is home to breeding populations of over 85 fish species.
Invertebrates are animal species without backbones. Montana is home to breeding populations of almost 150 invertebrates, including over 120 mollusk species and over 20 crustaceans.
Mammals are endothermic vertebrate animals that possess hair and mammary glands for the production of milk for feeding offspring. Montana is home to breeding populations of over 110 mammal species.
Reptiles are ectothermic vertebrate animals that possess scales and produce external amniotic eggs with membrane and yolk sac. 17 native reptile species have been confirmed as being present in Montana.
In the late 1990s, a small group of Montanans demanded that Fish, Wildlife & Parks reduce the annual harvest of mountain lions, or cougars. They said hunters were killing too many lions, and if the department didn’t lower harvest quotas, populations in many areas would rapidly decline.
Unlikely as it might seem, the assertions did not come from antihunting groups, but rather from the lion hunters themselves (known as houndsmen for the dogs they use to chase and tree the big cats). [Full Story]
Near Lolo Pass, along Montana’s border with Idaho, a light drizzle falls on larches lining steep mountainsides. Pepin, a tall, lanky, fawn-colored dog with a dark muzzle, paces in the back of the car, panting excitedly and steaming up the windows. When his handler, Megan Parker, opens the door, he bounds out and wildly races in circles. Parker calls for the dog to sit and places an orange vest around his chest. “Go to work,” she says. [Full Story]
When the Wetzsteons decided to sell their southern Bitterroot Valley ranch, they could have made a fortune. Real estate agents regularly knocked on their door, offering a premium price for the 367 acres of timbered, rolling hills and lush pastures surrounded by scenic, snowcapped mountains. [Full Story]
Get one year of Montana Outdoors for only $9, Subscribe now!
