They are rodents and have strong front teeth and sharp claws for digging. The prairie dogs got their name from the sound that they make when danger is near. They give a warning barks or yips. There are five species of prairie dogs. Besides serving as food for many predators, their tunnels provide homes for Burrowing Owls and other small animals.
Prairie dogs are most active during the cool hours of daylight.
Most of their time is spent eating . They also like to visit and groom each other. When the prairies became farmland, the prairie dogs were forced out. Prairie dogs nuzzle and kiss when they meet. But if prairie dogs from different colonies meet, they stare, chatter, flick their tails, and may fight or chase each other.