10/13/2026
We have PRAIRIE DOGS!!! Two females & a male. A huge thank you to the family that took care of the Prairie Dogs & then trusted us to take them in!!!💞
When prairie dogs throw their hands or paws up into the air and emit a sharp call, it is called a jump-yip (sometimes playfully nicknamed a "Wahoo").
• Why They Do It:
• Alertness Check: Research shows prairie dogs use it to test how alert and responsive their neighbors are.
• All-Clear Signal: It is frequently performed after a potential predator or danger has passed or disappeared.
• Social & Territorial Communication: They also use it during territorial defense, greeting others, or expressing excitement (especially in pet prairie dogs).
We call their jump-yip/Wahoo their Hallelujah!!😂
Main Affectionate Behaviors
Greet Kisses: Prairie dogs press their mouths together and touch teeth or noses. This behavior lets them exchange scent cues, confirm that the other animal belongs to the same family group (coterie), and reinforce their bond as noted by researchers via University of Arizona News.
Cuddling and Snuggling: They love physical closeness. Family members often lie together, nap side-by-side, or sleep in piles to stay warm and connected.
Preening and Grooming: Prairie dogs groom one another's fur. This behavior builds trust, reduces stress, and maintains harmony within the group.
Vocal Greetings ("Yahoo" / Barks): They make high-pitched calls or greeting sounds to signal excitement when seeing familiar members or human caretakers in the morning.
*Did you know that Prairie Dogs are vital keystone species and ecosystem engineers that dramatically improve grassland health, soil quality, and biodiversity.
We are currently working on getting the females to stop grooming/barbering the male. He does have some fur growing back!
