A Prairie Dog's Lunch - Captured on Film

Captured on 35mm film, this close-up portrait features a black-tailed prairie dog enjoying a meal while revealing the remarkable detail of its whiskers, fur, and expressive eyes. Though often overlooked, prairie dogs play a vital role in North American grassland ecosystems, supporting countless other species through their complex burrow networks. Photographed at the Smithsonian National Zoological Park with a Nikon FM and a super-telephoto lens, this image celebrates the charm of one of nature's most fascinating rodents while showcasing the timeless character, natural grain, and rich tonal range of classic film photography. #BlackTailedPrairieDog #PrairieDog #Cynomys #Sciuridae #Rodentia #WildlifePhotography #AnimalPortrait #ZooPhotography #FilmPhotography #35mmFilm #BlackAndWhitePhotography #NaturePhotography #SmithsonianNationalZoologicalPark #SmithsonianZoo #NikonFM #EngelPhotography