When do prairie dogs eat

Prairie dogs are very social and live in large colonies in underground burrows. Not only do prairie dogs live together, but they also share the responsibilities to look out for predators. While other prairie dogs are foraging for plants, a few prairie dogs will become look outs and watch for hawks, coyotes, or badgers.

Prairie dogs eat a variety of seeds, stems, roots, grasses, weeds, and the leaves of flowering plants. They also eat insects. Most of the water that a prairie dog needs to survive comes from the plants that it eats. Prairie dogs are very social creatures that reside in complex burrows belowground. These tunnels house many colonies or towns of prairie dogs.

A family group is called a coterie. This is a polygynous mating system and is made up of one male and multiple females. Prairie dogs are very vocal creatures with a highly sophisticated vocal language. Not only do they make high pitched yips and barks to warn about the presence of predators, but they have different warning calls for different predator types as well! Female prairie dogs go through the estrus cycle once a year each winter for only an hour.

Legs 4. Shape Short, muscular legs and a short tail; bodies covered in rather coarse hair with little fur underneath. Antennae No. Region Great Plains. What Do Prairie Dogs Eat? Prairie Dog Infestation Signs of an Infestation Prairie dogs graze to provide a clear view of their surroundings and improve their ability to detect predators. Find a Pest Control Professional. How to Get Rid of Prairie Dogs The most effective way to prevent an influx of prairie dogs on your property is to install fences, hay bales and other objects that can be used to reduce their visibility.

Prairie Dog Education Habits Black-tailed prairie dogs are most active in the summer months and spend their days foraging. Habitat The black-tailed prairie dog lives in densely populated colonies scattered across the Great Plains from northern Mexico to southern Canada.

Threats Prairie dogs rarely come in contact with humans; however, they are capable of carrying disease organisms, such as plague. How to Get Rid of Squirrels Squirrels can be much more than just a nuisance. Why Do Skunks Stink? Skunks are notorious for their stinky smell, but have you ever wondered why they smell? Raccoons Moving Through Northeast Neighborhoods Raccoons are particularly a concern in areas where their populations are thriving, such as the east coast and in cities.

The burrow entrance leads to a tunnel that goes down about three to ten feet and then straightens out to a horizontal tunnel that runs about 10 to 15 feet. The burrow has a number of nesting chambers lined with grass. It also has a separate chamber used as a bathroom. When that chamber is full, the prairie dog will dig a new one. Diet The seeds stems, roots and leaves of forbs flowering plants , grasses and weeds make up most of the prairie dog's diet. Life Cycle Mating season runs from February through March.

A month after mating, the female will have three to four pups. The pups are born naked and with their eyes closed. They stay in the burrow for about six weeks. They are weaned when they are about seven weeks old but will stay near their mother for another two weeks. Female prairie dogs are very aggressive when they have pups. They will often fight with other females to guard their territory and their pups. Take a look at which species lives where:. Prairie dogs are considered a keystone species, which means other animals in their ecosystem depend on them, whether they do so for food or shelter.

If prairie dogs were to go extinct, the ecosystem could change drastically. And, like many burrowing animals, the vegetation and excrement they leave behind can help fertilize grasslands. However, many farmers see prairie dogs as pests. Their tunneling can ravage fields of crops. They may also eat the crops or chew them down so that they have a clear line of sight and can better spot predators. Additionally, these animals often feed off the same grasses as cattle.

That means they might not gain as much weight, which can result in farmers fetching a lower price at market. Homeowners who live in areas with large prairie dog populations may see substantial damage to yards and gardens. Due to the sprawling nature of their burrows, prairie dog removal can be incredibly challenging. Additionally, Utah prairie dogs are classified as a threatened species and are protected under the Endangered Species Conservation Act of And while you may be able to hunt non-protected species of prairie dogs in certain areas of the U.

Interested in other tunneling mammals? Learn all about the pocket gopher.