Rodents such as ground squirrels and these prairie dogs once were very abundant in the short and mixed grass prairie. Left, white-tailed prairie dog, right, black-tailed prairie dog.

Prairie dog towns are a very diverse community with a number of species that rely on the specific habitat these towns provide. The most notable species associated with prairie dog colonies are the prairie rattlesnake, burrowing owl, and the endangered black-footed ferret.