What Are the Behaviors of the Prairie Dog in the End of Winter?

Post-Hibernation

• Prairie dogs, like other ground squirrels, hibernate in winter. During this time, the prairie dog does not leave its burrow at all. This period lasts for two to four months, depending on the climate and the species of prairie dog. After hibernation comes to an end, the prairie dog will emerge from its burrow and start to forage again. Since the end of winter means more daylight hours, the prairie dog (which is active during the day) will stay out longer.

Eating Habits

• At the end of winter, when the ground begins to thaw and plants come back to life, the prairie dog also springs back into action. The prairie dog, which has gone months without eating (or eating very little), begins to look for tender grasses and hay to eat. The prairie dog will be very thin right out of hibernation, but its rapid search for food will fatten it quickly.

Mating and Offspring Behavior

• The end of winter also ushers in the beginning of the prairie dog's spring mating season. After the prairie dog regains weight lost during hibernation, it will enter into a rut, the time when prairie dogs begin to mate rapidly and produce offspring. Also, the young prairie dogs who have spent months with their mothers will begin to branch out and join other burrows.

Species-Specific Behaviors

• Not all prairie dogs hibernate in winter. Black-tailed prairie dogs and Mexican prairie dogs are actually active during the winter because they live in much warmer climates. They are, however, less active than in the spring and summer months when the mating season begins. Also, though this is not a behavior, prairie dogs sheds their thick coats at the end of winter.