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Prairie farmers

Prairie dogs tend the plains around their towns and the bison share the bounty.

Prairie dogs live in such numbers in such concentration that their patch of the priarie is called a town. They mate in February, below ground, and a month later the youngsters are born. In early summer they get their first view of the world and their large neighbors, bison who also now have their young. The thick woollen coat that protected the bison through winter is now too hot and they begin to shed it in sheets and tatters. Being such big animals, bison have a long gtestation period - nine months. So, soon after the young are born, courting starts again and for the bulls that involves battling with rivals. These jousts, which can be very punishing and can result in death, establish a ranking among the bulls. The victors then seek access to the cows. The bison herds have a particular liking for the grass around the prairie dog towns. The prairie dogs are good farmers - they cut down unpalatable plants and remove dead material. Their constant cropping leaves young, succulent shoots which are enjoyed by both species.

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