The Other Ground Squirrel

In recent weeks, I have noticed a large number of small rodents on the roads as I commute to work. I ask myself, “what are those cute little creatures doing so close to the road?” In this area, we have a lot of snow on the roads and besides plowing, some chemicals are used to melt the ice. These chemicals contain salt and who loves the salt? You got it, the Black-tailed Prairie Dog.

These ground squirrels have an interesting and important role in nature, the most important, being a keystone species. A keystone species is so integral to an ecosystem that if it were to decline or disappear, the animals in the food chain above and below would decline or collapse.

Other interesting behaviors I have observed include the “jump-yip” display, kissing, and barking. The “jump-yip” display is when one prairie dog throws it front legs in the air, arches it's back and makes a “whee-ooo” sound. It is believed that this display is done to see if other members of the colony are paying attention. When the members are alert the “jump-yip” can look like the “wave” at a football or baseball game. “Kissing” is a very important social behavior. When the prairie dogs touch their lips together and sometimes front teeth they appear to kiss, this helps them recognize each other. The most common behavior to observe is the “bark” that occurs when we get to close to the colony. This bark alerts the members of the town that danger is near.

Now that you know a little about the Other Ground Squirrel, enjoy them, they are a sign of a healthy habitat.