Albert Newman, age 8, of Nashville, Tenn., for his question:

WHY IS THE PRAIRIE DOG CALLED A PEST?

In much of the western part of North America, stretching all the way from Canada to Mexico, you'll find the prairie dog. He isn't a dog at all but is a member of the squirrel family. He received his name because he has a shrill bark much like that of a dog.

The prairie dog is a serious pest to farmers and cattle raisers in the West because he eats grasses and roots, and also because he digs open burrows. A running horse or cow that steps into one of these holes may break a leg.

The prairie dog is especially fond of grain and alfalfa.

During recent years, the prairie dog population has decreased greatly. Millions of the pesky creatures have been killed by organized groups of farmers and ranchers.