Featured Image: Prairie Dog Sticking Its Tongue Out
Date: September 16, 2025
Location: Where the Prairie dogs roam
đ Prairie Dating: Tunnel Vision with a Twist
Prairie dogs are the ultimate underground romantics. They live in complex burrow systems called âtowns,â where social bonds run deep and drama runs deeper.
- Monogamous-ish: Some pair off, others flirt across tunnels.
- Kiss to ID: They press mouths to recognize each otherâimagine Tinder but with teeth.
- Jealousy is real: Intruders get barked at, chased, and sometimes evicted.
If youâre photographing prairie dog love, look for nose-touching, tail flicks, and synchronized standingâthe prairie version of a prom pose.
đĽ Prairie Cuisine: Dirt-to-Diet Simplicity
Forget Michelin starsâprairie dogs are plant-based minimalists.
- Main course: Grasses, roots, seeds, and the occasional flower.
- Seasonal snacking: In spring, they munch on fresh shoots; in fall, itâs all about seeds and fattening up.
- Hydration hack: They rarely drink water directlyâmoisture comes from plants.
Want a diet tip from a prairie dog? Eat local, chew slow, and always have an escape tunnel.
đ Where to Find Them: Wisconsinâs Whispering Prairies
While prairie dogs are more common in the West, Wisconsin has hidden gems for spotting ground squirrels and similar burrowers.
- Janesvilleâs Rotary Botanical Gardens: Not prairie dogs, but chipmunks and ground squirrels with similar antics.
- Kettle Moraine State Forest: Great for prairie-style landscapes and burrower behavior.
- Private grasslands: If youâve got access, these are goldmines for candid shots.
Pro tip: Early morning or golden hour is best for tongue-out sass and shadow play.
đ¤ Fun-Filled Prairie Facts
- Prairie dogs have a language with over 100 vocalizationsâthey can describe predators by size, shape, and speed.
- Their burrows have designated rooms: nurseries, sleeping quarters, and even air vents.
- Theyâre eco-engineers: Their digging aerates soil and supports biodiversity.
And yes, they stick their tongues outâsometimes to cool off, sometimes to sass, and sometimes just because they can.
đ¸ One Toad Tip: Capturing Prairie Personality
Use a low-angle lens to match their eye level. Wait for the tongue flick or alert poseâtail up, body stiff, eyes wide. Thatâs your shot.
Add a caption like:
âWhen youâve had enough of the drama but still live in a tunnel with 30 relatives. #PrairieDogProblemsâ