What do we know about Groundhogs?
Groundhogs are stout-bodied, short-legged rodents. The name “groundhog” comes from the animal’s tendency to spend much of its time at least partially submerged in shallow holes dug in the ground.
The Woodchuck is a small animal about 14 to 18 inches long with a tail that can be as long as its body. The Groundhog has small eyes and ears but has very keen senses of smell and hearing. Its front paws have five toes each which help it.
Here is some helpful information about Groundhogs.
1- Groundhogs second name
The name “whistle-pig” comes from groundhogs’ habit of making a high-pitched whistling sound when threatened, usually as a warning to another groundhog.
2- Groundhogs- A form of squirrels
They are among the largest members of the marmots or ground squirrel family Sciuridae. Capable of weighing up to 15 pounds, are among the largest members of the squirrel family Sciuridae and within the taxonomic tribe of marmots or ground squirrels—a group that also includes chipmunks and prairie dogs. Groundhogs, like their ancestors, are powerful diggers who dig vast, complicated underground burrows. Other burrowing species such as foxes, opossums, raccoons, and skunks use these burrows for aeration and nutrient recycling, and they are frequently used by other burrowing creatures such as foxes, opossums, raccoons, and skunks.
3- Groundhogs are one of the few species that actually hibernate.
This is the aspect of their conduct that has led to the celebration of Groundhog Day in North America. Groundhogs normally emerge from their winter tunnels in February after losing up to half their weight while hibernating—hence the holiday’s timing. There is no scientific basis for the shadow-observing legend. It was really brought over from Germany, where forecasting is based on the behavior of the European badger.
4- Groundhogs play an important role in the food chain as intermediates.
Groundhogs are herbivores who eat a wide variety of plants, including those found in people’s gardens. However, they may devour pests such as grubs, various insects, and snails, which we perceive to be pests. Other small creatures, like baby birds, have been recorded to be eaten by them. Groundhogs have few predators, aside from coyotes, foxes, domestic dogs, and, of course, humans, due to their relatively high adult size and tunneling ability, as well as climbing and swimming abilities.