Describes a prairie dog coterie, or family, focusing on the characteristics and behavior of its members at different ages and seasons.

Being a Prairie Dog Is Hard Work! Flick thinks there are too many rules for prairie dogs. The peskiest rule is that he must never leave the tunnel at night. But no one seems to know why it's so unsafe--not even Father. So Flick decides to find out for himself and sneaks out one night after everyone is asleep. Once outside, Flick discovers that it's not so bad. He even befriends a neighborly rabbit, who shows him around. But when a close call with a dangerous animal sends Flick back underground, he learns the important lesson that the prairie dog town rules are there to protect him.

"Prairie dog towns are marvelous magnets of life in the Great Plains, but so much of the magic happens out of sight, at night, and underground. This beautiful little book gives young readers a doorway into a prairie dog's world, a child's heart determined to protect them, and shows why every voice matters in conservation." ƒƒ‚‚ƒ‚‚"ƒƒ‚‚ƒ‚‚€ƒƒ‚‚ƒ‚‚" Michael Forsberg, Conservationist and Photographer

First published in 1906, ‘Prairie-Dog Town’ is a charming short children’s story by ‘Oz’ author L. Frank Baum. In the wholesome town of Edgeley in Dakota live two good little children, Twinkle and her friend Chubbins. When the pair go exploring on the open prairie one day, they come across a hollowed area inhabited by the mysterious speaking prairie-dogs. Plenty of magic and fun awaits the pair as they get acquainted with the friendly prairie-dog community. Lyman Frank Baum (1856 – 1919) was a prolific and well-known American writer. He is best known for his famous series of modern fairy tales set in the imaginary land of Oz. The first of the books, ‘The Wonderful Wizard of Oz’ is widely considered to be the first true American fairy tale and was the basis for the hugely popular 1939 classic musical ‘The Wizard of Oz’ starring Judy Garland. Born and raised in New York, Baum held a range of jobs including as a poultry farmer, clerk, and storekeeper before pursuing his talent for writing at the age of 41. He wrote 14 novels in the Oz series, as well as over 40 other novels and over 80 short stories. He died in California in 1919.

Explore a prairie dog’s town, built entirely underground! Prairie dogs create elaborate burrows with a system of connected chambers, tunnels, and entrances. Using communication and teamwork, these social animals cooperate to build their homes, guard their territory, and stay safe from predators. Jaw-dropping photos, a habitat map, and fascinating information will captivate young readers as they learn about these truly spectacular animal towns.

The prairie dog is a colonial, keystone species of the grassland ecosystem of western North America. Myriad animals regularly visit colony-sites to feed on the grass there, to use the burrows for shelter or nesting, or to prey on the prairie dogs. Unfortunately, prairie dogs are disappearing, and the current number is only about 2% of the number encountered by Lewis and Clark in the early 1800s. Part I of Conservation of the Black-Tailed Prairie Dog summarizes ecology and social behavior for pivotal issues such as when prairie dogs breed, how far they disperse, how they affect other organisms, and how much they compete with livestock. Part II documents how loss of habitat, poisoning, plague, and recreational shooting have caused the precipitous decline of prairie dog populations over the last 200 years. Part III proposes practical solutions that can ensure the long-term survival of the prairie dog and its grassland ecosystem, and also are fair to private landowners. We cannot expect farmers and ranchers to bear all the costs of conservation while the rest of us enjoy all the benefits. With 700 references, 37 tables, 75 figures and photographs, and a glossary, Conservation of the Black-Tailed Prairie Dog is a unique and vital contribution for wildlife managers, politicians, environmentalists, and curious naturalists.