They have a short tail that is tipped with black. Their ears are short and an average adult weighs about two pounds. Prairie dogs are active only during daylight hours and spend a lot of time feeding and socializing. Since they do not like tall grass, they will choose a site which has little vegetation. Here, the prairie dog feels secure and able to see predators coming from a long distance.
Burrows are usually quite visible because of the large mound of dirt around the entrance.
Mounds provide both a vantage point and protection from flooding. Forbs are preferred over grasses for food so competition with cattle is still questionable. Prairie dogs will, however, clip off many grass species for better visibility, adding to the denuded look of a town. These systems are arranged so that wind blows through and provides ventilation to their homes. Several tunnels are excavated from the main tunnel to provide nesting areas and places to rest and avoid the hotter part of summer days.