PRAIRIE DOGS DESCRIBED 
when the plain is flooded by heavy rains, and also serves as a 
tower of observation. Following is an account of their habits 
and evil work which I prepared from original sources for the 
New International Encyclopedia, and which covers the subject 
in a condensed way: — 
“The prairie dogs feed upon grass and herbage, which is soon exhausted 
near the burrows, compelling the animals to go farther and farther away 
for food. This they dislike to 
do, as it exposes them to attack 
from enemies; and after a time 
they prefer to dig a new burrow 
nearer a supply of food. Thus 
a ‘town’ is always spreading 
and contains many empty bur- 
rows. Like other animals 
habituated to desert regions, 
they do not drink at all, and 
the early belief that subterra- 
nean pits were dug by them, 
down to a water supply, has 
been proved erroneous. Arte- 
sian wells within dog towns 4 prarriz Doc AT THE MOUTH OF HIS 
have failed to strike water as BURROW. 
often as elsewhere. The ani- 
mals are diurnal and most active morning and evening. They come out 
daily during the winter, except when it is very stormy; but this practice 
varies with the latitude and climate. 
“They are prolific, especially in the southern half of their territory, and 
would multiply with excessive rapidity were it not for numerous enemies, 
especially rattlesnakes and other serpents. These are courageously re- 
sisted by the prairie dogs, who sound the alarm the moment a snake enters 
a hole, gather, and proceed to fill the entrance with earth, packing it down, 
thereby sometimes entombing the snake forever. Probably few snakes go 
down the passages, which are so steep they could with difficulty climb out, 
but depend upon lying hidden in the grass and striking down the young 
squirrels when out at play or in search of food. This is the method of the 
coyote, kit fox, wild cat, hawks, and owls, who find the dog towns a profit- 
able hunting ground. Badgers, however, can, if they will, easily dig up a 
burrow and devour the helpless family. The worst enemy is the black- 
455 
