Groundhogs, aka woodchucks, are rodents closely related to squirrels and are found in lowland areas in the eastern US, Canada and Alaska.
They spend much of their time underground in burrows that can be as much as 6 feet deep and 20 feet wide with multiple entrances.
Groundhogs are solitary creatures. When it is time to mate, typically in early spring, a male groundhog will stroll into a female's burrow and mate with her.
Gestation is 32 days. Litters consist of 2-6 pups. The youngsters stay with mother for 3-4 months. Then they go out and dig their own burrows.
Groundhogs eat fruit, plants, grasses and tree bark.
Average life span is 3-6 years, weight is approximately 13 pounds. They measure 17-24 inches from head to rump.
Groundhogs are homebodies. They typically don't wander more than 50-150 feet from their den.
Groundhogs eat a lot during the summer and live off their fat while they hibernate in winter.
I see them regularly. They're fun to watch.
ReplyDeleteWe love Groundhogs. Oldest son was born on Groundhog Day. You much check out "Chunk The Groundhog"this guy finds big chunks of his vegies being eaten. Puts up a camera and find Chunk as he names him. then starts a blog and feeds him and his family it is a great instagram.
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