Black-tailed prairie dog

Black-tailed prairie dogs are related to squirrels and named after their bark-like warning sounds. When the warning sound is heard, the entire group quickly disappears into the the safety of their tunnel network. They only come back out after the guard’s typical “danger has passed” squeal.

Black-tailed prairie dogs live in family groups. Several groups form prairie dog towns, which may consist of thousands of individuals. They greet each other by rubbing their teeth together. Any strangers they encounter are chased away. With family members, the next step in greeting is mutual grooming. Black-tailed prairie dog populations have decreased dramatically in the past few decades.