Fun Facts About Groundhogs
The groundhog is a rodent of the family Sciuridae, belonging to the group of large ground squirrels. Also known as woodchucks and whistlepigs, they are some of the most commonly observed mammals in the U.S. They have the nickname “whistlepig” because when alarmed, they use a high pitched whistle (‘whistlepig’ nickname) to warn the colony.
The average groundhog weighs as much as 11lbs. They have two layers of fur: a dense grey undercoat and a longer coat of banded guard hairs that gives the groundhog a “frosted” appearance.
These animals have short ears and a short tail. They can move surprisingly quick. The jaws are strong with teeth that grow throughout their lives.
Where Groundhogs Live
Groundhogs live near rocky outcrops from valley bottoms to alpine tundra; they avoid dense forest. They are active mostly at dawn and dusk.
The groundhog has claws which make it an exceptional digger. The Groundhog lives in an intricate system of underground burrows, which even includes a separate “bathroom” chamber!
Their burrow systems can have between two and ten entrances, but the average is around five.
They use their burrows all year round for resting, safety and raising young.
What Groundhogs Eat
A groundhog’s diet consists of lots of green plants, fruits, and vegetables and very little water. Most of their moisture come from dewy leaves.
Despite their blunt, heavy-body, groundhogs are good swimmers and tree climbers.
When groundhogs are frightened, the hairs of the tail stand straight up.
