Here's why:
* Coteries: These groups consist of several family units, including adults, pups, and juveniles.
* Complex Social Structure: They have a hierarchical social structure with dominant males and females.
* Communication: They communicate with complex vocalizations and body language.
* Shared Burrowing System: They live in elaborate underground burrow systems shared by the coterie.
* Cooperative Defense: They work together to defend their territory and watch out for predators.
So, prairie dogs are definitely social animals! They rely on each other for survival and thrive in their unique community structure.