Prairie Dogs are the most social members of the Squirrel Family and they possess the most sophisticated of all natural animal languages. They issue different sounds identifying various predators, which include coyotes, eagles, hawks, owls, ravens, badgers, ferrets and snakes. They also have a sound to identify humans! From their vantage point atop the burrow mounds, prairie dogs rely on their excellent hearing and vision to listen and scan the sky and prairie for danger.

When danger approaches, the first alert Prairie Dog gives a sharp warning call, bobs up and down in excitement, calls again and then dives into its burrow. Other watchdogs farther from the danger zone take up the watch, monitoring the course of the predator. They emerge to give an "all clear" call when the danger has passed.

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