Prairie dogs are absolutely fascinating.

In the Badlands in South Dakota, I was able to observe these interesting creatures in their burrows. It was such a treat to have the opportunity to actually hike among the prairie dog towns in Theodore Roosevelt national park.

I found that it’s absolutely impossible to sneak up on them. They barked out in a high pitch to warn the others of my presence.

Some were “fluffy”. Some were slim. But all were part of this amazing community. I slowed my walking pace down so I could watch them scamper about and interact with each other.

As a drove the loop around the park, I cruised through a multitude of these prairie dog towns. I felt like I was intruding on something so intertwined and complex.

Which I was.

Even when I visited other places in the park, casually observing the gorgeous grass-clad mounds, I stumbled across lone prairie dog scouts sent out to scope out the potential invaders.

I’ll probably hear their little voices in my dreams.