Evaluation of stress response in black-tailed prairie dogs (Cynomys ludovicianus) in arid regions from colonies in Chihuahua Mexico

•Capture-restraint provoked differences in levels of cortisol and corticosterone in feces.•Concentration of corticosterone in fecal samples were higher than those of cortisol.•Plasma samples did not show differences between cortisol and corticosterone levels.•Biochemical validations of the endocrine analysis reached acceptable levels of reliability.•Fecal samples could be used to assess stress response in Mexican populations of Cynomys ludovicianus.