Hi!

I’m a prairie dog. I am found in the central part of the United States and Canada. I am really not a dog. I am part of the squirrel family. When settlers first came across us, they heard us bark and since we live on the prairie, they call us prairie dogs. I live in colonies. I dig tunnels down in the ground to live in. My tunnel system is very complex. I am a very orderly animal. I dig out several rooms in my tunnel. These rooms include a bathroom, bedroom, kitchen, nursery and security room. It is not only important that I am orderly, but that people are orderly too! I have several predators, so I have to be very cautious. I mow down the high grass in a ten foot circle around my hole. This allows me to see anyone who is planning a sneak attack. I also have a mound of dirt outside my hole that I stand on to watch out for danger. A prairie dog stays in the security room that is found at the entrance of my home. If a predator comes near I am well prepared. I also have a warning system in place. When danger approaches, I let out a “bark”. This warns everyone in my colony that danger is near. We all scatter and find a safe place. When we scatter, we do it fast. We are able to fun 35 m.p.h. In life you may sometimes find danger creeping up on you. It may be the wrong crowd, smoking, or drinking, and like the prairie dog, you need to stay clear of these things. You can also let out a “bark”, if you see your friends heading toward danger, to help them stay clear.