The five species of prairie dogs are:
* Black-tailed prairie dog (_Cynomys ludovicianus_): Found in the Great Plains of the United States and Canada
* White-tailed prairie dog (_Cynomys leucurus_): Found in the Rocky Mountains of the United States and Canada
* Mexican prairie dog (_Cynomys mexicanus_): Found in the Mexican states of Chihuahua and Coahuila
* Gunnison's prairie dog (_Cynomys gunnisoni_): Found in the southwestern United States
* Utah prairie dog (_Cynomys parvidens_): Found in the western United States
Prairie dogs live in burrows that they dig in the ground. These burrows can be up to 10 feet deep and 50 feet long. Prairie dogs use their burrows for shelter from the elements, predators, and to raise their young.
Prairie dogs are herbivores and their diet consists mainly of grasses, forbs, and leaves. They also eat some insects and fruits. Prairie dogs are active during the day and they spend most of their time foraging for food.
Prairie dogs are social animals and they live in colonies that can range in size from a few individuals to several hundred. Prairie dogs communicate with each other using a variety of vocalizations, including barks, chirps, and whistles.
Prairie dogs are important members of the grassland ecosystem. They help to aerate the soil, disperse seeds, and control the populations of insects and rodents. Prairie dogs are also a food source for many animals, including coyotes, wolves, and eagles.
Prairie dogs are a threatened species and their populations are declining due to habitat loss, hunting, and disease. Conservation efforts are underway to protect prairie dogs and their habitat.