Small groups, generally composed of one adult male, three adult females and six offspring, defend their territory within the larger town. A density of 35 black-tailed prairie dog mounds per acre is common, although up to 95 mounds have been reported. Burrow systems have one to three entrances. Black-tailed prairie dog numbers vary from about five per acre in late winter to 20 per acre after the birth of pups in spring. Spring densities can be as high as 35 per acre.
Prairie dogs are active only during the day.
White-tailed and Gunnison's prairie dogs hibernate from about October to March, depending on elevation. Black-tailed prairie dogs do not hibernate, but will stay below ground for several days during cold cloudy weather. Prairie dogs have one litter of three to eight young per year in March or April. The gestation period is 28 to 34 days. The pups venture above ground when they are five to six weeks old.