Prairie Dog at Caprock Canyon in Texas.
Prairie Dogs are highly social rodents, related to ground squirrels. They live in complex underground tunnel networks which are divided into rooms, including specialized nurseries for pups, sleeping quarters, and even air vents. Studies suggest prairie dogs have the most developed animal language ever decoded. When they feel safe, they raise their chest and front legs while making a high-pitched "wee-ooo" call.
Yellow Bellied Marmot at the top of Trail Ridge Road in Rocky Mountain National Park.
Marmots are large rodents related to squirrels that live in colonies, dig burrows for shelter, and hibernate in the winter. They are omnivores, eating plants, fruits, and insects, and use loud whistles to warn each other of danger.
White-tailed antelope squirrel at The Valley of Fire State Park in Nevada.
White-tailed squirrels, specifically the white-tailed antelope squirrel, are small, desert-dwelling rodents that are most active in the morning and late afternoon. They have several special features, including their white stripes, their ability to cool down by lying flat in the shade, and their strong feet for running. They live in underground burrows and eat seeds, plants, and insects.
