On the prairies of northern Mexico, black-tailed prairie dogs live in sprawling colonies made up of dozens of family groups. Each family has a dominant male, several females and their young, all living together underground.
In May, six-week-old pups take their first steps above ground. The prairie grasses and plants provide all the food and moisture they need – but exploring the open terrain is dangerous.
- It barks like a dog, looks like a cross between a squirrel and a hamster and is the size of a bowling pin – meet an adorable, but little-known, American creature
- It was home to 400 million chattering residents and almost the size of Ireland – and was deep underground
Prairie dogs face a range of predators, including birds of prey and coyotes. But one of their most persistent hunters is the bull snake. This powerful constrictor is capable of suffocating adult prairie dogs, but vulnerable pups in their burrows make a far easier meal.
Watch this incredible close-up footage to see the brave dominant male take on the bull snake to defend its burrow and save its pups.
Watch black-tailed prairie dog battle bull snake
This clip was taken from the BBC's Wild Mexico.
Main image: Black-tailed prairie dog. Credit: Getty images