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| Name: |
Yahoo
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Age: |
One and a half years old
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| Gender: |
Male
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Kind: |
Black-Tailed Prairie Dog
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| Home: |
Illinois, USA
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This
is Yahoo, a black-tailed prairie dog, who lives with us in
Illinois. He's one and a half years old and loves to be the center of
attention. When learning about the biodiversity of the prairie
ecosystems, Yahoo visits my 6th grade science classes as an example
of a keystone species. He enjoys his trips to school and is always
rewarded with praise, petting, and a few extra treats from the kids.
This little rodent is potty-trained and will return to his four-story
prairie dog condo when needed. He remains in his cage when alone in
the house, but enjoys the freedom of the downstairs when we are home.
Unlike other prairie dogs, Yahoo rarely chews on carpet or furniture.
He uses only the objects provided for him in his cage. When out of
his cage, his main objective is to follow his people in search of
treats & attention. Bedtime is his favorite time of the day.
Yahoo has earned the privilege to sleep in the master bed. Now how
many rodents can boast that?
Yahoo's claim to fame is, of course, his Yahoo. Each day after I come
from work, we sing our duet: "If you're happy & you know it
say: Yahoo..." Yahoo has learned to sing his line after my
initial yahoo. Even after the most stressful day, Yahoo manages to
bring a smile to my face.
After a year of being an "only child," we decided to get
Yahoo some company. He now has a little brother, Yip, and a sister,
named Squeak. Yahoo stands guard and watches over his little family.
During the day when alone in the house, the little ones snuggle up in
their bed (a "dog" bowl) with their blankies (old T-shirts)
into one huge prairie dog ball. However, as soon as I return from
work, Yip, Yahoo, and Squeak herald my entrance with their calls and
await their free-time. The three play together and get into all kinds
of mischief (i.e.- stealing items from the laundry & bringing
them into their "bed").
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