Key Information
Prairie Dogs
| Diet | Herbivore |
| Length | 12 to 17 inches |
| Weight | 1 to 3 lb |
| Lifespan | 3 to 5 years (8 years in captivity) |
| Conservation Status | 2 species Endangered, the others Not Threatened |
| Classification | Mammalia > Rodentia > Scuridae |
| Habitat | Grasslands |
Learning Point
- Prairie dogs are super social little animals that live in big underground towns! They dig tunnels and make mounds of dirt to live in, and they’re always chatting with each other using barks and chirps. They eat plants and are really important for other animals, like hawks and badgers, who eat them. Prairie dogs are like the town mayors of the grasslands, making sure everyone knows when danger is coming and keeping their homes clean and safe.
Project
- Draw a picture of a family of prairie dogs in their burrow.
- Overview
- On Watch
Location
| Places | United States |
Fun Facts
- Prairie dogs live in huge underground “towns” with lots of tunnels and rooms!
- They make a barking sound like a dog, which is how they got their name.
- The mounds they build outside their tunnels help them see predators coming from far away.
- Prairie dogs love to live with their families and friends in big groups.
Past Lessons
| 167 | March 19, 2025 | (North America) |