5 6 HUNTING TRIPS 



ground squirrels. But the prairie-dog is al- 

 ways the main source of danger to the horse- 

 man, as well as of mischief to the cattle- 

 herder. 



Around the prairie-dog towns it is always 

 well to keep a look-out for the smaller car- 

 nivora, especially coyotes and badgers, as 

 they are very fond of such neighborhoods, 

 and almost always it is also a favorite resort 

 for the larger kinds of hawks, which are so 

 numerous throughout the cattle country. 

 Rattlesnakes are quite plenty, living in the 

 deserted holes, and the latter are also the 

 homes of the little burrowing owls, which 

 will often be seen standing at the opening, 

 ready to run in as quick as any of the prairie- 

 dogs if danger threatens. They have a funny 

 habit of gravely bowing or posturing at the 

 passer-by, and stand up very erect on their 

 legs. With the exception of this species, 

 owls are rare in the cattle country. 



A prairie-dog is rather a difficult animal 

 to get, as it stands so close to its burrow that 

 a spasmodic kick, even if at the last gasp, 



