Generally have a lifespan of 3 to 5 years. Live in highly structured colonies commonly called towns, which are in turned composed of coteries. Each coterie is a family group of up to 20 to 40 members. Coteries consist of 1 adult male, one to four adult females and any offspring under two years of age. Coteries are defended against other coteries.
All coteries jointly defend the town.
Highly social animals. They communicate by physical contact such as playing and grooming and by vocalization. Black-tailed prairie dogs are active year round, whereas the other species of prairie dogs hibernate during the winter. Complex communication system that involves body language and verbal cues. Prairie dog burrows have tunnels, which lead to several different rooms.