Buffalo wallow refers to a dusty depression in the ground formed by bison rolling around, or by excessive grazing and erosion. Some synonyms for this term include bison wallow, dust bowl, mud wallow, bison pit, and prairie pothole. These terms are often used interchangeably in order to describe the same phenomenon. Buffalo wallows are significant to the ecology of the Great Plains since they serve as breeding and feeding grounds for a variety of plants and animals. As such, they provide crucial habitats for creatures such as prairie dogs, black-footed ferrets, and burrowing owls.