Bison, prairie dogs, and prairie grasslands have a mutually beneficial relationship. Deep-rooted grasses protect the soil and provide food for bison. Bison, in turn, disturb the soil and spread native seeds. Prairie dogs often build their burrows in areas grazed by bison. These burrows create habitats for other wildlife, like golden-mantled ground squirrels, mountain plovers, and burrowing owls, which depend on them for nesting. The burrows also help retain water and cool the land. As prairie dogs trim vegetation, nitrogen levels in the soil rise, which benefits plant growth. Recent studies show that grasses and flowering plants on prairie dog towns have more protein and nitrogen, making them popular grazing spots for bison.