Breeding

A prairie dog reaches sexual maturity after its first winter and has one litter per year.

Breeding takes place in March and early April, and a litter of usually four to six young is born 30 to 35 days later. Young prairie dogs are born hairless, helpless, and with their eyes closed.

They remain underground for about six weeks and first emerge from the den in May or June. They are weaned at this time and begin feeding on green vegetation. They reach adult size by fall. Prairie dogs do not typically breed in captivity. Most Prairie dog 'pup' that are available in the spring & summer are wild caught animals.