The smallest groundhogs may only weigh five pounds. A groundhog photographed in Lincoln, Nebraska. [75], Groundhogs are one of the few species that enter into true hibernation, and often build a separate "winter burrow" for this purpose. Just like every other part of the plant, roots are required to respire, which means they must take in oxygen and release carbon dioxide. Tail included, this creature is wholly furred from head to toe. At this time, if at all, the father groundhog comes back to the family. Facts about groundhogs | Live Science Damage control in the way of exclusion may be difficult when it comes to groundhogs. On the low end of the scale, costs for a single inspection and application of groundhog repellent cost approximately $100. [15][16] Groundhogs are an extremely intelligent animal, forming complex social networks, able to understand social behavior, form kinship with their young, understand and communicate threats through whistling, and work cooperatively to solve tasks such as burrowing. At this annual celebration, a groundhog is the most honored guest, and the attention is focused on its ability to predict the end of winter. Each year groundhogs enjoy 15 minutes of fameand then most people proceed to forget about them completely. Compact, chunky bodies covered in fur with a short tail; forefeet have long, curved claws for digging burrows. What Do Mice Eat? From spring through autumn, groundhogs are diurnal, meaning they are active throughout the day. They can grow to a maximum of 2 feet when measured from head to toe and weigh . How Big Are Groundhogs? (Size, Weight, And Other Questions) Microplastics are hidden in your home. Then, the previous litter disperses and forms their own social groups with groundhogs from other families during mating seasons. As a result of their ravenous hunger, they may easily destroy an entire crop in a single night. Tail included, this creature is wholly furred from head to toe. While groundhogs mostly consume plant matter for sustenance, they may sometimes snack on insects, snails, baby birds, and even eggs. However, these animals may live as long as six years. Often, we see these larger groundhogs right before they need to hibernate for the season. Most homeowners spend around $200 on an inspection, trap placement, and removal of a single groundhog. But these mammals tend to keep to themselves, only seeking one another out when its time to mate. Her passion for these often-overlooked animals shines through in her in-depth articles and engaging writing style. You can find these animals all over North America, so youve likely encountered them at some point. Groundhogs are also referred to as woodchucks or whistle pigs. The female social group is friendly, with very rare aggression between them. Phil the groundhog is a star! During this time, the groundhog survives on its stores of body fat that have been building up throughout the year. Many have tails between four and seven inches long- if they have a large, bushy tail, the groundhog can appear much larger than it actually is. Groundhogs are widely distributed across North America, ranging as far south as Alabama and as far north as Alaska. On average, they live about six years but have been known to live in zoos for as long as 14 years. [11]:4143 Marmot researcher Ken Armitage states that the social biology of the groundhog is poorly studied. Burrows can pose a serious threat to agricultural and residential development by damaging farm machinery and even undermining building foundations. Many have tails between four and seven inches long- if they have a large, bushy tail, the groundhog can appear much larger than it actually is. Watch to discover interesting facts about animals from all over the world. The primary predators of groundhogs are hawks, foxes, coyotes, bobcats, dogs and humans. Every year on February 2, people around the country celebrate Groundhog Day, a tradition. They live in aggregations, and their social organization also varies across populations. Groundhogs Fact Sheet | Blog | Nature | PBS When not feeding, they are known to sunbathe during the warmest periods of the day. Copyright 1996-2015 National Geographic SocietyCopyright 2015-2023 National Geographic Partners, LLC. The groundhogs come out of their holes in the morning and later in the evening to forage for food. Theyll keep growing until they become a full adult. But burrows are super important to groundhogsand their ecosystem. All rights reserved. In addition to providing homes for itself and other animals, the groundhog aids in soil improvement by bringing subsoil to the surface. They can, however, reach their adult sizes and weights after or before this age based on genetics. While every effort has been made to follow citation style rules, there may be some discrepancies. Removal Methods Prevention Removal Cost Highlights Groundhogs may burrow into your yard looking for food and shelter. Most groundhogs dig burrows that are 20 feet (6 m) wide and at least 6 feet (1.8 meters) deep under the earths surface. Groundhogs contribute to the aeration of the soil by their digging behavior. "[97] Groundhogs cared for in wildlife rehabilitation that survive but cannot be returned to the wild may remain with their caregivers and become educational ambassadors. Learn more about these species. [83][84] Groundhogs are mostly diurnal, and are often active early in the morning or late afternoon. Phil the groundhog is a star! Tail lengths range from around 4 to 7 inches. We look to these animals in early February for groundhogs day. Our editors will review what youve submitted and determine whether to revise the article. Groundhogs may cause damage to your garden by eating your harvests or cutting your plants at an angle. [80] During hibernation, they experience periods of torpor and arousal. Groundhogs are the bane of many a gardener as the animals can decimate a plot while voraciously feeding during the summer and fall seasons. What is the Difference Between a Groundhogs and a Woodchuck? [61][63], An adult groundhog can eat more than a pound of vegetation daily. and wooded areas where they can create extensive burrow systems. A comprehensive study from 2021 showed the tradition is a matter of chancegroundhogs make correct predictions only 50 percent of the time. [58][59] Groundhogs may squeal when fighting, seriously injured, or caught by a predator. New-born groundhogs are very small. Groundhog Size & Facts. Red-tailed hawks can take groundhogs at least of up to the size of yearling juveniles, and northern goshawks can take them up to perhaps weak emergent-adult groundhogs in the Spring. [29] Marmota monax has a wide geographic range. [57][61] In early spring, dandelion and coltsfoot are important groundhog food items. This time of dormancy might last anywhere from three to six months, depending on where in the world you live. Your email address will not be published. 48 exactq How much money did Groundhog Day gross worldwide? When threatened, groundhogs will immediately retreat to their burrow. What Does a Groundhog Eat | Groundhog Diet and Their Food Nutrition, Why Is a Groundhog Called a Woodchuck? In some areas woodchucks are important game animals and are killed regularly for sport, food, or fur. My goal is to educate and inform readers about these amazing creatures, and to promote a deeper understanding and appreciation for the important role that rodents play in our ecosystems. Adults may measure from .mw-parser-output .frac{white-space:nowrap}.mw-parser-output .frac .num,.mw-parser-output .frac .den{font-size:80%;line-height:0;vertical-align:super}.mw-parser-output .frac .den{vertical-align:sub}.mw-parser-output .sr-only{border:0;clip:rect(0,0,0,0);clip-path:polygon(0px 0px,0px 0px,0px 0px);height:1px;margin:-1px;overflow:hidden;padding:0;position:absolute;width:1px}41.8 to 68.5cm (16+716 to 26+1516in) in total length, including a tail of 9.5 to 18.7cm (3+34 to 7+38in). Baby weight is another method for determining whether or not the child is an infant. Heres Everything You Should Know. [50]:124 Jackson (1961) suggested that exaggerated reports of damage done by the woodchuck led to excessive culling, substantially reducing its numbers in the state. In agricultural areas, th. Wonderfully Astounding Facts About Groundhogs - Animal Sake Groundhogs often burrow under open areas such as meadows and farmlands, which can make the critter a nuisance to farmers. The males will have a larger frame, weigh more, and have a larger facial structure. "Woodchucks Are in the Lab, but Their Body Clocks Are Wild". The etymology of the name woodchuck is unrelated to wood or chucking. (Check out a galley of more animals that burrow.). Groundhogs, also known as woodchucks, are aggressive animals that are hard to get rid of when they invade your property. I'm the founder of Floofmania.com. This is true even while the groundhog is feeding. The name woodchuck has nothing to do. Getting in touch with a pest management expert as soon as possible is recommended if you fear a groundhog is destroying your garden. Like these relatives, groundhogs are powerful diggers that make large, complex underground burrows. Loading Questions. Squirrels can be much more than just a nuisance. The young stay with the mother for two to three months. Copyright 1996-2015 National Geographic SocietyCopyright 2015-2023 National Geographic Partners, LLC. At times, the groundhog will remove the dried excrement and bury it outside the burrow. It is said that their body undergoes hormonal changes, specifically melatonin, which is a sleep-inducing hormone, and it also controls their waking when in hibernation. The groundhog is also a valuable game animal and is considered a difficult sport when hunted in a fair manner. Phil is fat Punxsutawney Phil weighs around 20 pounds. However, they are capable of carrying fleas, ticks and rabies. Generally speaking, a baby groundhog is considered to be under 10 inches in length. The primary predators of groundhogs are hawks, foxes, coyotes, bobcats, dogs and humans. [82] They emerge from hibernation with some remaining body fat to live on until the warmer spring weather produces abundant plant materials for food. 4. [81] Hibernating woodchucks lose as much as half their body weight by February. [70] Though groundhogs are the most solitary of the marmots, several individuals may occupy the same burrow. Monax (Monack) is an Algonquian name of the woodchuck, which means "digger" (cf. Chickweed, clover, plantains, asters, dandelion, and sorrel are just a few plants favored by this species as food. The little-known shipwreck that inspired Bram Stokers Dracula, Reconstructing the face of a 700-year-old murder victim, Dissecting the Dome of the Rocks centuries of history, Alcohol is killing more women than ever before, Volcanoes dont erupt on schedulebut they have been in Iceland, Heres what happens to your eyes if you look directly at the sun. Any groundhog with a body length of fewer than 10 inches is still a juvenile and needs special care until it reaches adulthood. Fur: Groundhogs have thick fur that ranges in. Woodchucks are polygynous [86] but only alpine and woodchuck marmot females have been shown to mate with multiple males. At this weight, the groundhog weighs about twice as much as the average newborn human baby. The typical groundhog weighs 5-10 pounds and is 16-20 inches long. These animals commonly invade cropland and vegetable gardens, eating or destroying vegetables and landscape plants. [62] Groundhogs also occasionally eat small animals, such as grubs, grasshoppers, snails, and even bird eggs and baby birds, but are not as omnivorous as many other Sciuridae. We often refer to groundhog babies as pups, kits, or chucklings, which references their other name of woodchuck. Contemporaneous with the ark, the woodchuck has not made any material progress in social science, and it is now too late to reform the wayward sinner. It is common to see one or more nearly motionless individuals standing erect on their hind feet watching for danger. Rating. What is Gullah Geechee food and how do you make it? How To Get Rid Of Mice In The Wall? Sam feeds a hungry baby groundhog named Priscilla but also gets a hilarious surprise on Sams Zookeeper Challenge.. The consent submitted will only be used for data processing originating from this website. Experience a pest-free home. Male and female groundhogs seem pretty similar, with the possible exception that males tend to be bigger.Table of ContentsGroundhog WeightsGroundhog Diet and How it Contributes to Their WeightTypes of FoodSeasonal Eating PatternsHow is Hibernation Related to Groundhog Weight?Frequently Asked Questions1. Schoonmaker reports that groundhogs may hide when they see, smell, or hear an observer. The babies cant see or hear and stay with their mother until they reach two or three months of age. Adult groundhogs may weigh as much as 14 pounds, but usually weigh between 11 and 12 pounds. [106], Robert Frost's poem "A Drumlin Woodchuck" uses the imagery of a groundhog dug into a small ridge as a metaphor for his emotional reticence. The groundhog, or woodchuck, is one of 14 species of marmots, a subgroup of the squirrel family. A groundhogs body is thick and stocky, and its legs are short. Table of Contents Groundhog Weights Their babies follow the parents around until the next litter of groundhogs arrives. Since they hibernate for about three months, groundhogs must put on weight to survive the winter. Least concern LC NT VU EN CR EW EX. Sold as a kit of six tent stakes. Outside their burrow, individuals are alert when not actively feeding. How to Get Rid of Groundhogs Effectively and Humanely It can typically be found in small woodlots, low-elevation forests, fields and pastures, and hedgerows. How to Get Rid of Groundhogs - Angi [12][13][14] Groundhogs are considered the most solitary of the marmot species. We and our partners use cookies to Store and/or access information on a device. On the other hand, some fully grown groundhogs might weigh far less than others. Like the rest of the rodent family, groundhogs have long incisor teeth. [64] In early June, woodchucks' metabolism slows, and while their food intake decreases, their weight increases by as much as 100% as they produce fat deposits to sustain them during hibernation and late winter. Groundhogs rarely come in contact with humans and therefore poseno major public health hazards. This stout-bodied rodent weighs up to 6 kg (13 pounds) and has a body length of up to 50 cm (about 20 inches) and a short, bushy tail up to 18 cm (7 inches) long. document.getElementById("ak_js_1").setAttribute("value",(new Date()).getTime()); As the owner and author of rodentsfact.com, my name is Lisa G and I have over 3 years of experience researching and writing about various species of rodents, including squirrels, groundhogs, hamsters, chipmunks, guinea pigs, and more. They store up a ton of fat over the summer and early autumn before hibernating for the winter. (The Stinky Critter), How Long Do Groundhogs Live? [24] Unlike the incisors of many other rodents, the incisors of groundhogs are white to ivory-white. If you are considering installing an exclusion fence, it should be at least 10 to 12 inches in the ground and at least 4 feet tall to help prevent groundhogs from digging under or crawling over the fence. If your pets are poking around in groundhog burrows, they may encounter an aggravated groundhog that could attack. They spend most of their time underground in their burrows but will come out to forage for food during short periods in the early morning and early evening. How much should I weigh for my height and age? - Medical News Today [52] Woodchuck numbers appear to have decreased in Illinois. They have no hair, can not see or hear, and are totally helpless. It stems from an Algonquian (possibly Narragansett) name for the animal, wuchak. Height Moderate weight BMI 19-24 Overweight BMI 25-29 Obesity BMI 30-39 Severe obesity BMI 40+ 4 ft 10 in (58 in) 91-115 lb: 119-138 lb: 143-186 lb Mammalian predators include canids, such as wolves (Canis lupus), coyotes (C. latrans), dogs (C. familiaris), and foxes; felids, such as lynx (Lynx canadensis) and bobcats (L. rufus); and black bears (Ursus americanus). Height Weight Normal: Overweight: Obese: 4' 10" 91 to 118 lbs. They can grow to be quite large too. If not, spring will come early. Since I was a kid, Ive been wildly fascinated by animals, both from growing up in a rural area where there were always animals around, but especially from seeing them in the wild. [16][23] Seasonal weight changes indicate circannual deposition and use of fat. [66] Thought not to drink water, groundhogs are reported to obtain needed liquids from the juices of food-plants, aided by their sprinkling with rain or dew.[67][68][69]. [11]:66, The groundhog, being a lowland animal, is exceptional among marmots. Many of these predators are successful stealth stalkers so can catch groundhogs by surprise before the large rodents can escape to their burrows; badgers likely hunt them by digging them out from their burrows. Burrows are where the rodents sleep, raise their babies, and even poop. 119 to 142 lbs. There are typically two burrow openings or holes. In the spring, its body will have burned off a significant amount of the stored fat, resulting in a weight reduction. 10 Best Tent Stakes What can I use instead of tent stakes? Groundhog - Description, Habitat, Image, Diet, and Interesting Facts Alternative ways to experience classic Japan, New hiking trails open Portugal's mountains to the world, Photograph by Joel Sartore, National Geographic Photo Ark, Heres how wildfires get startedand how to stop them, Video Story, Sharing Nkashi: Race for the Okavango, Video Story, Copyright 1996-2015 National Geographic Society, Copyright 2015-2023 National Geographic Partners, LLC. However, what do groundhogs consume in the colder months? An example of data being processed may be a unique identifier stored in a cookie. 143 to 186 lbs. In aiding these animals, the groundhog indirectly helps the farmer. It contributes a lot of protein and fat to their diet. Plus, burrowing is good for habitats: Digging aerates, or provides oxygen to, the soil, which helps plants better absorb nutrients that help them grow. A woodchuck weighing just 2530 grams would be considered a baby. Groundhogs do hibernate from late autumn until very early spring. Imagine a guy who weighs 150 pounds devouring a 15-pound steak. Omissions? Most adults are about 16 inches long. These animals usually weigh from four to nine pounds, but in ideal conditions, they can weigh as much as 31 pounds. In Kentucky, an estimated 267,500 M. monax were taken annually from 1964 to 1971. The groundhog relies on its stored fat from the previous year for sustenance during this period. Trap-and-release is an effective, long-term solution. Groundhog Photos and Facts - National Geographic Kids Reviews (219) 219 reviews with an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars. 135141, Stam M. Zervanos, Christine R. Maher, Jerry A. Waldvogel and Gregory L. Florant, Groundhog Day facts and factoids, Cornell Chronicle, February 1, 1996, Schoonmaker, W.J. How much does a groundhog weight? - Answers Melanistic (nearly black) and albino individuals sometimes occur in some populations. This is due, in part, to the many predators they have, including coyotes, foxes, bobcats, weasels, dogs, owls and hawks. How much do MSR Groundhog stakes weigh? - hikinghow.com They are a member of the squirrel family. To summarize, there are not many visual differences between male and female groundhogs outside of their sizes. Homeowners should seal all cracks and crevices with caulk, repair any loose siding and install a mesh cover over chimneys and other exposed openings. These burrows will have multiple entrances. One is the main entrance, the other a spy hole. This site does not constitute pet medical advice, please consult a licensed veterinarian in your area for pet medical advice. Wrap Up Newborn Groundhogs If you just saw a groundhog on your properly or you feel the groundhogs are damaging the property, don't blame the infant groundhogs. Not only can you eat groundhogs, but if you properly clean and cook them, they also have a soft texture and a great flavor. They usually wake up and become active while its still cold outside. Many will burrow in grassy fields during the warm months, then burrow in the woods in the winter. Groundhogs are preyed upon by several animals. Despite their small size (approximately 10 pounds) and 20 inches in length, groundhogs have been known to fend off bobcats, coyotes, and even some household dogs. Tent Stakes & How to Use Them What type of tent stakes are best? The usual lifespan of a wild groundhog, sometimes termed a woodchuck, is between four and five years. By around two months old, theyre off on their ownwhether they see their shadows or not. These rodents frequent the areas where woodlands meet open spaces, like fields, roads, or streams. Found from the eastern and central United States northward across Canada and into Alaska, they most commonly live along forest edges abutting meadows, open fields, roads, and streams, but they are occasionally also encountered in dense forests. On the other hand, theyre not quite as big as a beaver, which is the biggest rodent in North America. 83, No. The tail is usually 4 to 7 inches long. Although groundhogs are slow runners, they scurry quickly to their dens when they sense danger. The longest, including side galleries, was 47ft 11.5in (14.62m). What Time of Day Are Groundhogs Most Active? (Size, Weight, And Other Questions). It curls into what appears to be a lifeless ball, its body temperature drops nearly to the ambient temperature of the burrow, and its heart rate decreases from 75 to 4 beats per minute. 10 facts about groundhogs - National Geographic The groundhog is solitary except in the spring, when a litter of four to six young is born. Thus it increases their size as well as their weight. Groundhogs tend to live in social groups that consist of two adult females and one adult male. The recommended diet for a hedgehog is one comprising 28-35% protein, 12-15% fat, and 4% fiber. [56] They prefer to retreat to their burrows when threatened; if the burrow is invaded, the groundhog tenaciously defends itself with its two large incisors and front claws. Keep reading for more groundhog/woodchuck facts,and tolearnhow to get rid of groundhogs. How Much Does A Baby Groundhog Weigh? - QNA Experts Let us know if you have suggestions to improve this article (requires login). His natural impulse is to kill 'em all and let God sort 'em out. How Much Should I Weigh? | RUSH What Purpose Do Groundhogs Serve?4. [59] David P. Barash wrote that he witnessed only two occasions of upright play-fighting among woodchucks and that the upright posture of play-fighting involves sustained physical contact between individuals and may require a degree of social tolerance virtually unknown in M. monax. Loading Reviews. The diet of a groundhog is very specialized, and it changes with the seasons. Seton, Ernest Thompson, Lives of Game Animals, [103] Researching the hibernation patterns of groundhogs may lead to benefits for humans, including lowering of the heart rate in complicated surgical procedures. [72] W. H. Fisher investigated nine burrows, finding the deepest point 49 inches (120cm) down. Nope. How to survive an encounter with wildlifefrom bears to bison, How Niassa Special Reserve gives locals a stake in its success, Hippo deaths are up in Ugandas national parks, U.S. to protect 1 million acres of sacred land near Grand Canyon, Is it a rescue or stealing? How much does groundhog weigh? Females welcome a litter of perhaps a half-dozen newborns, which stay with their mother for several months. However, they can reach 13 pounds. Find out how you can help make a difference. Hi, I'm Tommy! [60], Mostly herbivorous, groundhogs eat primarily wild grasses and other vegetation, including berries, bark, leaves, and agricultural crops, when available. When alarmed, they use a high-pitched whistle to warn the rest of the colony, hence the name "whistle-pig". The Groundhog, Our Underground Architect - Wildlife Rescue League [58], Very often, the dens of groundhogs provide homes for other animals, including skunks, red foxes, and cottontail rabbits. 1. What is the average weight of a groundhog? They are innocent! What Is the Life Expectancy of a Groundhog?2. They are good climbers and diggers, so fencing them out may not always be effective. Read on to learn about the Groundhog. However, motorized vehicles kill many groundhogs each year. Although, you wont be able to notice the difference until theyve fully grown into adults. DNR, Indiana Department of Natural Resources, Groundhog. Five Things You Didn't Know about Groundhogs | Tufts Now Sorry, we were unable to verify your service address . The Virtual Nature Trail at Penn State New Kensington Species Pages Scientific name: Marmota monax Common name: woodchuck. [46]:142143[47][failed verification][48][failed verification]. Extensive burrowing can undermine foundations. [53], The time spent observing groundhogs by field biologists represents only a small fraction of time devoted to the field research. A groundhog that finds a reliable, consistent food source, including leaves, lettuce, clovers, and fruit, can grow to sizes larger than those listed here. A reflective pull loop allows for easy removal. [104], Groundhog burrows have revealed at least two archaeological sites, the Ufferman Site in the U.S. state of Ohio[105] and Meadowcroft Rockshelter in Pennsylvania. A groundhog will retreat to their underground burrow to hibernate at the first sign of winter (usually the first frost), and this hibernation period can last up to 6 months, depending on regional distribution.
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