While I spent the morning sitting and looking at a badger den hoping for activity, this prairie dog grabbed a piece of dung (I think) and decided to watch me. Unfortunately, neither of us got much of a show as the badger didn’t appear so I pretty much wasted a couple of hours. Of course I am sure this little one was happy to not have to run from the deadly predator. 😉

While some view this rodent as a pest, it is in fact a keystone species whose survival is crucial to many others from badgers to coyotes to all types of raptors. They are common on the Great Plains however their habitat is regularly threatened by human encroachment.

Real picture of me dragging myself to work this morning. 😀 

While very common, I don’t usually take pictures of prairie dogs. However, they can be quite entertaining and such was the case with this one. It was highly animated yesterday, alternating between working on its burrow and rolling around in the dirt. Here it did a goofy move of dragging itself along the ground.

I am oftentimes dismissive of these creatures and many people think nothing about wiping out their colonies in the name of “progress,” they play a significant role in the ecosystem. As a keystone species, many other animals are dependent on the prairie dog. Most notably, raptors and many meat-eating mammals require them for food and burrowing owls depend on them for their summer homes.

This prairie dog was quite focused on its prickly meal on the Colorado plains.

Most locals are entirely dismissive of these creatures and they are indeed oftentimes viewed as pests. The reality is though, they are a keystone species and critical to the survival of many other, more favorably thought of forms of wildlife.

Everything from foxes and coyotes to eagles and owls depend on them for food and shelter. Wipe out the prairie dog and you eliminate dozens of other species as well. Something to think about.

What better way to start the day than hang out with the family at sunrise on the Colorado plains? Sounds good to me and apparently to these prairie dogs as well.

While some view this rodent as a pest, it is in fact a keystone species whose survival is crucial to many others. They are common on the Great Plains however their habitat is regularly threatened by human encroachment.

It isn’t often I take pics of these little guys although they are quite common and a little bit cute.

Right now, like many mammals, they are busily raising their spring babies which add an additional dose of cuteness. While I am oftentimes dismissive of these creatures and many people think nothing about wiping out their colonies in the name of “progress,” they play a significant role in the ecosystem.

As a keystone species, many other animals are dependent on the prairie dog. Most notably, raptors and many meat-eating mammals require them for food and burrowing owls depend on them for their summer homes.