Prairie Dogs Give a Little Tongue to Say Hello

02/15/2011

It seems that prairie dogs are prone to public displays of affection, particularly when more people are watching. Researchers studying the cuddly rodents discovered the behavior after studying 25 black-tailed prairie dogs at the St. Louis Zoo. They also observed that the prairie dogs pressed their tongues together in a “greeting kiss,” to show affection.

Read more at BBC Earth.

The researchers hope their observations will help other researchers differentiate between animals' behavior while being watched and their “normal” behavior. The scientists counted the number of zoo visitors as they recorded their observations.

"When more people were watching, the adult prairie dogs became much more affectionate, kissing and touching more and fighting less," said Dr. Adam Eltorai from Washington University in St. Louis.

Scientists believe this research could help build better enclosures for zoo animals. In the case of prairie dogs, the animals seem to be enriched by human attention, so they may be getting more visibility to keep them happy and affectionate.

Photo Credits: Beth Davidow/Visuals Unlimited/Corbis | D. Robert & Lorri Franz/CORBIS | Peter Burian/Corbis |

Comments

[Cora]

I own a black-tailed prairie dog and there's nothing she loves more than attention. I've never been able to love on her more than she wanted. In fact, if I stop, she will violently burrow under my hand until I give her what she wants. Not surprising they act similarly in the wild. *:D I <3 Prairie dogs!

[A.F. for Animal Planet]

There was recently an article on the National Public Radio website (npr.org) about researchers observing how Prairie Dogs communicate with one another, but I don't recall it saying anything about these animals kissing. Thanks Animal Planet for an interesting article and CUTE pictures.

[Carrol Cowan]

Are the zoo folks sure that the prairie dogs aren't stressed by people and thus closing ranks instead of "normal" fighting with each other? Like the pacts we used to make as little kids when a bully threatened, or the pacts nations make with one another...

[Knowledge Seeker]

When I changed from cable to Satellite I did so for the glory of HD, I mention this because it gave me an entrance to a world I had not seen before. There have obviously been many programs that touch the animal instincts I possess but, show like Meercat Manor, Pit Bulls & Parolees, Dogs and Cats 101, I could go on and on are amazing both in content and now color! I am so looking forward to Fatal Attractions de to the simple fact that there has always been a fascination in our species to mix ourselves too closely with other species. I am no different in my curiosity and fantasy but I stop at reality and logic. These beautiful creatures are amazing specially cats. I love cats no matter what size shape of how much hair; they are intelligent ingenious little killers that have the intelligence to find their way top the King of Animal Kingdom. It has been brought to my attention that through I do work for Dish Network, they will be sending me on some business adventures which will keep me away from home some of the time. This would be quite unacceptable if were not for one simple thing, I will be carrying my Animal Planet along with all my other favorite learning channels with me on my iPad. I went ahead and got a Sling Adapter which really excites me because regardless of where I am I will be able to enjoy I, Predator which is a fascinating show all by itself. There are so many different reasons I can think of that explain my fascination with every species I’ve come across on the planet and maybe one day other planets too!

[wood hammer mill]

Well ,this should be a lovely way to greet each other ,as I know,poeple in some countries love to greet as touch each other by cheek.Aha ...