Six black-tailed prairie dogs have been born at Vienna Zoo.

The grassland burrowing rodent pups spent their first month in an underground burrow with their mother in mid-May.

After several weeks, the adorable juvenile ground squirrels reportedly emerged above the surface to explore and nibble fresh grass in their enclosure.

Footage shows the small, playful pups scampering around their shelter.

They were also seen basking in the sun while cuddling with one another.

Zoo director Dr Stephan Hering-Hagenbeck said: 'Black-tailed prairie dogs are native to the vast steppes of North America. The pups can now be easily observed here at our zoo. You shouldn't miss this on a visit.'

Black-tailed prairie dogs are small, social rodents from the squirrel family, native to North America's grasslands. They are easily recognised by their tan fur and distinctive black-tipped tails.

Curator Rupert Kainradl, MSc, said: 'Their alarm call sounds like a bark and warns conspecifics of predators such as birds of prey, coyotes, or snakes.'

The animals live in complex social groups led by a male accompanied by several females. In the wild, these groups join together to form vast colonies.

Social bonds within the group are reinforced through grooming, physical contact, and communal sleeping.

In their natural habitat, prairie dogs build intricate tunnel systems functioning like underground cities. These burrows help loosen the soil and play a vital role in maintaining a healthy ecosystem.