Prairie dogs occur on a variety of prairie and high desert vegetative communities. Their towns provide food and habitat for a diverse community of wildlife species. The burrows of prairie dogs are used as shelter and hibernation chambers for many species of snakes, lizards, and amphibians. The associated denuded lands also expose potential enemies and the prey animals on which the owls feed. The burrowing owl is in serious decline throughout many parts of its range in direct response to losses of prairie dog colonies.
Prairie dogs clip tall-growing vegetation within their towns to enhance predator detection.
The rather barren appearance of the landscape surrounding prairie dog towns and the associated loss of vegetation have earned prairie dogs the reputation as vermin. Many people consider land ruined by the presence of prairie dogs, and several States still promote their eradication. However, recent information suggests that prairie dogs are a vital part of the ecology of native grasses, and that burrowing and mixing of soil constituents are important for maintaining the long-term viability of prairie soils. Among the species associated with prairie dogs that have declined along with the ferret are the ferruginous hawk, burrowing owl, swift fox, and mountain plover. The plover and fox are even candidates for listing under the Endangered Species Act.