The prairie dog, which lives in the prairies of the United States, is not actually a dog at all, but is related to chipmunks and squirrels. It is a plump little animal, about a foot long, having reddish-brown fur mixed with some gray or black. It has teeth like a beaver’s to help it gather grass, its principal food. Yes, these little prairie residents are included in the “all things” mentioned in the above verse, created and cared for by God.
Early pioneers found millions of prairie dogs in the western states. But so many have been killed since then that there are only a few left today, and these live only in protected areas.
The early cattlemen did not like prairie dogs because of their burrows (holes and tunnels in the ground). Actually, these tunnels were a great benefit, allowing moisture to penetrate the soil. This prevented floods and water runoff that would otherwise wash good topsoil away. It was all part of God’s design in providing harmony in the things of His creation.
Prairie dogs are sociable and like to live in colonies, burrowing family homes next to one another in a very organized way. Their tunnels, which are about four inches in diameter, go down as far as twenty feet before leveling off for living quarters where rooms are made. An emergency exit is always provided, with another tunnel slanting upward to within a few inches of the surface. This is their “escape hatch.” If an enemy gets into their home, they scamper up this tunnel and quickly dig through the remaining few inches to the surface and get away.
In the northern part of the prairies, these animals hibernate after fattening up during the fall, but in the south they remain active all year round. In the springtime the little pups are born, which in about a month are the size of chipmunks and by the end of summer are full-grown.
The entrance to each burrow is topped with a mound of dirt from six to twenty inches high. The animals love to sit upright on these mounds, yipping back and forth to their neighbors and enjoying sun-baths. At times they join in games and, like monkeys, like to be groomed by one another. When outside of the burrow, one member is always “watchdog,” and when he sees anything alarming he gives two sharp barks. All of the colony members immediately dash to their holes and disappear—all, that is, except the male of each family. He sits with his head sticking out so he can see what’s going on. In this position he barks continuously. When the whole colony is barking like this, it creates an unforgettable chorus.
The burrows and dens of prairie dogs are strongholds (safe places) for them. There is a better stronghold provided by God for those who accept Him as their Saviour, putting their trust in Him. The Bible tells us, “The Lord is good, a stronghold in the day of trouble; and He knoweth them that trust in Him.” Nahum 1:77The Lord is good, a strong hold in the day of trouble; and he knoweth them that trust in him. (Nahum 1:7). Is He your stronghold?
ML-05/29/1983