Family friendly. The Utah prairie dog lives, socializes and cooperates with its extended family in an elaborate network of tunnels and chambers, called a "town," excavated over generations. Each winter, family members cozy up together for long periods to hibernate. When out foraging for choice grasses, they take turns looking out for danger. But while families can often escape predators this way, they have no defense against habitat loss, plague, and poisoning. The future has turned decidedly unfriendly.