Prairie Dog Fun Facts

Prairie dogs are rodents, not dogs. However they are called dogs because their warning call sounds like a dog bark.

Prairie dogs are about 15 inches long and weigh 2-4 pounds.

Prairie dogs eat roots, grass, and other plants.

Two prairie dogs recognize each other by touching their front teeth together.

Burrows

Prairie dogs’ burrows are quiet large with many entrances and many rooms. Rooms are designated as bathrooms, kid rooms, and bedrooms!

Colonies, Wards, and Coteries

Since prairie dogs' groups could include thousands of prairie dogs in one colony (covering sometimes many acres), they divide into smaller groups or “wards.” Wards also are divided into families called “coteries.” Each coterie includes a male, one or more females, and their offspring.

Each ward has its own territory. Prairie dogs defend their territories against other prairie dogs that do not belong to the same ward.

Prairie dogs warn others in their group of approaching predators by letting out a special warning bark before disappearing in their burrow.

Hawks, eagles, coyotes, and snakes are a few of the prairie dogs’ predators.

Two prairie dogs at their burrow entrance

Fun Facts about Other Animals