Class: Mammalia
Order: Rodentia
Family: Sciuridae
Genus: Cynomys

There are six species of prairie dogs, living in North American latitudes from Mexico to Canada and longitudes west of the Mississippi River. They are intelligent burrowing rodents that live in large underground colonies. The colonies are subdivided into social hierarchies of families. Interactions in the colonies are performed through numerous vocalizations over the long distances that the colonies can span.

In captivity, most prairie dogs are of the species C. ludovicianus, the black-tailed prairie dogs. They bond very closely with their owners, showing affection with kisses and vocalizing "conversations" with those around them. They can live 8-12 years in captivity.

Written by danielgump