Prairie Dogs are small rodents native to the western United States and generally weigh 1-3 lbs and are about 12-16 inches long. They are called a Prairie Dog because they live in the prairies and can bark like a dog. They dig burrows in the ground, which provide shelter from wildfires for over 150 species including rabbits, toads, rattlesnakes, birds, and the critically endangered black-footed ferret. Prairie Dogs are a key food source for coyotes and other animals.

Although they look cute and cuddly, they do not make great house pets because they have big teeth that grow their whole life and they love to chew furniture!