On May 14, I visited the Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge in Oklahoma. I came across a lively colony of black-tailed prairie dogs. These small mammals were out early in the morning, soaking up the sun and keeping watch near their burrows.
The wildflowers were in full bloom. That made the scene even more beautiful. Several prairie dogs popped up from the mounds, alert and curious. Others stayed close to their tunnels. It was a great chance to watch their behavior and social interaction.
I stayed quiet and still, watching them go about their routine. Some were grooming each other. A few chased each other in playful sprints between burrows. You could tell spring had them full of energy.
Prairie Dog Family Life in Oklahoma
One thing that stood out was how close they stayed to each other. Prairie dogs are very social. They live in family groups called coteries. I watched a few adults and juveniles share lookout duties. They also gave alarm calls when they spotted a potential threat.
Their alert calls are sharp and quick. As soon as one sounded off, the others ducked into their tunnels. A minute later, heads popped back up. It was like watching a well-rehearsed drill. These moments show how well adapted they are to life on the open prairie.
Young Prairie Dogs Emerging from the Den
In two of the photos, you can see younger prairie dogs peeking just above the dirt. They seemed unsure whether to come out or stay hidden. That caution helps them survive. I waited a while to get those moments when they finally showed their faces.
The younger ones are more hesitant, but they learn fast by watching the adults. It’s a good reminder that even small creatures have strong family bonds and survival instincts.
This reminded me of another post I wrote about, a Black-tailed Prairie Dog Mom and Pup.
