Despite their reputation, rattlers tend to be shy creatures. If you leave them alone, they'll return the favor. The geologic contrasts between formations at 6,000 feet and the high country at 12,000 feet are stunning. Related to ground squirrels and marmots, prairie dogs eat roots and seeds and live in burrows underground in vacant lots around Santa Fe. The sentry dogs stand on their hind feet at the edge of the burrows, watching for danger or, maybe, enjoying the view.
Prairie dogs communicate with different barks and warn each other of an advancing owl or a coyote.
When a person approaches, the little tan creatures disappear with a flick of their short black tails. A large colony of prairie dogs lives on the city-owned railyard property, and you may spot them near the railroad tracks just west of Cerrillos Road between Guadalupe Street and St. Francis Drive. A few years ago, the animals claimed squatters rights to the DeVargas Junior High School athletic field. Volunteers from Prairie Dog Rescue relocated as many of the critters as they could catch and the holes were filled, saving students from the possibility of broken legs.