Curiosity killed the cat—but the prairie dog? | National Geographic

This #wildlifewednesday, we catch up with Jesse Boulerice to look at how prairie dog trapping at the Meeteetse reintroduction site for black-footed ferrets is part of the recovery story for the species. The diet of the black-footed ferret consists primarily of prairie dogs, so it's important that we understand more about the prairie dog population. Once prairie dogs are captured on site, our biologists collect biological data and determine how many prairie dogs are in an area. They also examine

Did you know? Prairie dogs are named for their habitat and warning calls, which sound similar to a dog's bark. [VID: Compilation footage of prairie dogs] | Nature | PBS

Raise your hand if you've seen the prairie dogs! 🖐️ 🙋 Prairie dogs communicate with each other by barking, yipping, and whistling to signal the presence of predators and other dangers. They got their name from the barking sound they make. | Milwaukee County Zoo

Preening is a natural prairie dog behavior tied to social bonding and trust. In the wild, prairie dogs groom one another to strengthen social ties, reduce stress, and maintain group harmony. When Poppy preens me, she’s treating me like a member of her colony, or possibly a very odd looking prairie dog who needs help. It’s equal parts affection, familiarity, and her way of saying, “You’re mine, and I approve… for now.” #prairiedog #cute #animals #fyp #funny | Poppy the Prairie Dog