While groundhogs, like other rodents, are not a significant source of infectious disease to humans, they occasionally can carry rabies. While there are no commercial chemical repellents designed specifically for groundhog removal, products designed for other rodents may do the trick. February 3, 2021 15:17 IST Follow Us Handler John Griffiths introduces Punxsutawney Phil to the crowd at Gobbler's Knob on the 131st Groundhog Day in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania, U.S. February 2,. [53], The time spent observing groundhogs by field biologists represents only a small fraction of time devoted to the field research. The name comes from wuchak, the animals Algonquian name. The groundhog is one of the largest members of the marmot genus, Marmota. 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. Is Ursula from 'The Little Mermaid' an octopus? Many ground squirrels and marmots construct elaborate dens to house large social groups prairie dogs, for example, build huge burrows known as towns. But the groundhog is unusual in that it appears to be solitary. While many homeowners may be able to put in a fence themselves, the best way to ensure that the fencing is installed correctly is to enlist the help of one of the best fence companies in their area. Ammonia, red pepper flakes, talcum powder, and garlic also make suitable woodchuck repellents and are often found in the home. In Ohio, adult males and females associate with each other throughout the year and often from year to year. [82] They emerge from hibernation with some remaining body fat to live on until the warmer spring weather produces abundant plant materials for food. Hawks, foxes, and raccoons will take a groundhog while its young, but once it reaches full size its difficult to take down. Groundhogs (Marmota monax) are a type of rodent known as a marmot, and marmots are closely related to squirrels. [2] [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. 10 facts about groundhogs Also known as woodchucks, groundhogs are true hibernatorsgoing into a dormant state from late fall until late winter or early spring. [75], Groundhogs are one of the few species that enter into true hibernation, and often build a separate "winter burrow" for this purpose. While many Americans would recognize famed Punxsutawney Phil as a groundhog, they may not know much else about the species. Hardware cloth can also be buried 1 foot into the ground to limit burrowing under decks and foundations. Safe and humane groundhog relocation services are available. Yet despite their craving for plants and crops, these furry visitors do play a role in the ecosystem as both consumers and part . The name whistle-pig, which is most common in Appalachia, stems from groundhogs habit of making a high-pitched whistling sound, usually as a warning to other groundhogs when they feel threatened. Groundhogs were once the objects of sport hunting and are considered quite edible. "[Groundhogs are] the most widely distributed marmot of all of them, [with a range stretching] as far south as northern Alabama to northern Canadaand some are even found in Alaska," says Stam Zervanos, retired professor of biology at Pennsylvania State University in Reading, who's conducted extensive research on groundhogs. "Library holds Groundhog Day celebration", p. 1A, February 6, 2017, Winchester Star, Centerpiece, "Local groundhog predicts 6 more weeks of winter", February 2, 2018, Cathy Kuehner, Penn State News, (January 29, 2009) "Professor studies groundhog hibernation to benefit mankind", 10.2305/IUCN.UK.2016-3.RLTS.T42458A22257685.en, "Where Do The Terms 'Woodchuck' And 'Flatlander' Come From? But what attracts groundhogs to peoples yards? The Virtual Nature Trail at Penn State New Kensington Species Pages Scientific name: Marmota monax Common name: woodchuck. Before there was a Groundhog. If you call scratches attack, then well, they are aggressive. They write new content and verify and edit content received from contributors. The groundhog is solitary except in the spring, when a litter of four to six young is born. Dolphin Vs Porpoise: What Is The Difference Between Dolphins & Porpoises? For example, the ground underneath an apple tree that sheds fruit and leaves can turn into a groundhog snack bar. Encyclopaedia Britannica's editors oversee subject areas in which they have extensive knowledge, whether from years of experience gained by working on that content or via study for an advanced degree. 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). The groundhog is also a valuable game animal and is considered a difficult sport when hunted in a fair manner. [11]:66, The groundhog, being a lowland animal, is exceptional among marmots. As stated earlier, they have all the unique characteristics that a rodent has. Homeowners can do this by loosely placing material such as newspaper or grass clippings at the burrow entrance, then observing over a period of a few days to see whether the material has been disturbed. These large rodents may look adorable and have a generally laid-back demeanor, but they'll devour your entire garden before you know it. Active Wild Pinterest Active Wild Facebook, Click on the image below to see this weeks animal, (Press your escape key or click the close button below to close this message.). Adult groundhogs range in size from 7 to 11lb (3.2 to 5 kg). These mounds resemble volcano-like swellings and are the entrance and exit of groundhog holes in the ground, If you spot areas in your yard that feel squishy or the soil is very loose, If you realize that some areas in your yard have dead or discolored grass that follows a specific path. Concord Charlie has been predicting how long winter will last since 1978 when a faculty member of a university in West Virginia decided to turn a groundhog into a weather forecaster. Here's how to prepare. "If [the offspring] are born too late, they can't get enough weight for winter, and if they're born too early, the female doesn't have enough food to feed them.". Soybeans, corn, family gardensits all a banquet in the eyes of a groundhog. "They do this about 12 to 20 times in the hibernation season," says Zervanos. Curls may be why humans have such big brains. [76] Groundhogs hibernate longer in northern latitudes than southern latitudes. For homeowners who have dogs, another option is to sprinkle dog urine or fur around the groundhogs nest to indicate that predators are nearby. The short answer is YES, you should. The name whistle-pig comes from the fact that, when alarmed, a. [24] Unlike the incisors of many other rodents, the incisors of groundhogs are white to ivory-white. According to experts, antifreeze can be an effective groundhog poison; however, its not recommended because dogs are attracted to its smell and taste, and antifreeze is lethal to dogs, so homeowners will want to try one of the other (more humane) repellents instead. Although groundhogs dig deep and extensive burrow systems, they are also good swimmers and can climb tall shrubs and sizable trees. Before installing fencing, homeowners will want to ensure that there are no inhabited burrows in the areaotherwise, the groundhog may end up trapped inside the yard instead of out. Groundhogs, also known as woodchucks ( Marmota monax ), are rodents indigenous to the eastern United States. Toll Free: 800.273.6673Phone: (914) 760-5713. Please refer to the appropriate style manual or other sources if you have any questions. In Kentucky, an estimated 267,500 M. monax were taken annually from 1964 to 1971. Should we get lobsters high before eating them? Anyone who has looked up how to get rid of groundhogs naturally has probably read about plants that deter groundhogs. They are also one of the 14 species of marmot, or ground squirrels. In addition, they carry ticks and fleas which can pass diseases like Powassan and Lyme to pets and humans. But they lack their fellow rodents distinctive flat tails and live on dry land, not in water as beavers do. Have an expert take care of the problem for you. Once it is clear that there are no groundhogs living in the yard, its time for the homeowner to erect the fence. They will climb mainly to escape predators and in search of food. "Hibernation is not a deep sleep that continues for the entire winter," explains Zervanos. They usually start to hibernate from mid-October all the way to February. 2 fact check notes from a life-long Punxsy area resident. Surprisingly, groundhogs dont seem to be particularly close relatives of the other North American marmots. And theres some competition for that territory," he explains. Other damages that groundhogs are likely to cause include damage to the grass, tearing of tree roots, and flower bed damage. North America has several other marmot species, such as the Olympic marmot and Vancouver Island marmot of the Pacific Northwest, the Alaska Marmot of Alaska, and the yellow-bellied marmot of the Rocky Mountains. Groundhogs dislike the smell of herbs such as mint, sage, basil, rosemary, thyme, chives, and oregano. Find licensed pros in your area and get free, no-commitment estimates for your project. They can also cause serious structural damage through burrowing. Cretaceous Period Dinosaurs List With Pictures & Facts: Discover The Dinosaurs That Lived In The Cretaceous Period. The strange saga of Hvaldimir the Russian spy whale. [27] The similarity between the words has led to the popular tongue-twister:[28], The groundhog prefers open country and the edges of woodland, and is rarely far from a burrow entrance. Conversely, winds coming down from Siberia on cold and clear days generally lead to more winter weather. For a human, that would be like eating a large pizza every hour from sunrise to sunset. [107], Daughter of a Lejunior, Kentucky, coal miner with her pet groundhog (1946), Close encounter with a photographer at Sheldon Marsh State Nature Preserve, Ohio. (The pig is similar to how we refer to woodchucks rodent-cousin the guinea pig. "Typically, theres a male that has a territory that includes several female burrows. There can be several levels to their burrows, says Zervanos. Common signs of damage that indicate groundhogs are active in your yard include: Raised ridges crisscrossing your yard will be easily visible, You will notice raised, multiple mounds of dirt in your yard. Primarily herbivores, groundhogs eat a variety of plants, including from peoples gardens. A more foolproof way of protecting the yard from these pests is by physically relocating groundhogs from the property altogether. [3] What a hype. The marmot genus belongs to the squirrel family (Sciuridae), which in turn is part of the rodent order (Rodentia). If the above strategies are beyond a homeowners comfort level and expertise, its advisable for them to look up groundhog removal near me to find a professional with experience to help. They feed heavily in summer and early fall, accumulating huge fat reserves for the winter. But luckily, there are a few ways to combat this situation. "Bears, for example, only drop their body temp to 30 degrees from 37 degrees Celsius [86 from 98.7 degrees Fahrenheit]. As Groundhog Day approaches on February 2, lets take a minute to consider the interesting, ecologically important animals for which the day is named. They're Impressive Builders BrianEKushner / Getty Images A groundhog's burrow can extend up to 50 feet long, with multiple levels, exits, and rooms. Despite its name, the woodchuck / groundhog doesnt actually chuck wood! [30], In the wild, groundhogs can live up to six years with two or three being average. 1, pp. Hardware cloth or chicken wire are both affordable and effective options. The committee concludes that "a small bounty will prove of incalculable good; at all events, even as an experiment, it is certainly worth trying; therefore your committee would respectfully recommend that the accompanying bill be passed. [57] Before we go into any further detail about how groundhogs can be dangerous, it's worth taking a minute to discuss what makes a groundhog a groundhog. "True hibernators are the ones that can reduce their body temp below 20 degrees Celsius [68 degrees Fahrenheit]," says Zervanos. Another option is to scare groundhogs out of their burrows, encouraging them to take shelter elsewhere. Scientific Name Marmota monax Read our Complete Guide to Classification of Animals. Groundhog (Woodchuck) Conservation Status Least Concern Groundhog (Woodchuck) Locations North-America Groundhog (Woodchuck) Facts Name Of Young pups Group Behavior Social Fun Fact [55] Woodchucks weigh least in spring when they are just out of hibernation and most in fall prior to hibernation. p. 306, Latitudinal Differences in the Hibernation Characteristics of Woodchucks (Marmota monax), In short, herbivore is aggressive. In some areas, groundhogs are so numerous that they are regarded as pests, because their digging activities damage gardens and other surface vegetation (especially hay, clover, alfalfa, and grass) and threaten the stability of dikes and building foundations. Making a groundhogs home uninhabitable can drive the critter out. It is about 16 inches (41cm) wide and 14 inches (36cm) high. The groundhog's tail is shorter than that of other sciuridsonly about one-fourth of body length. 3. . Groundhogs are found across Canada and the eastern U.S. Their range extends as far south as Tennessee and the Carolinas, but they are not found in Texas or the Deep South. Consider the season and timing. Join the thousands of Active Wild subscribers who receive free wildlife and science news & info direct to their inboxes! [33][34][35][36][37][38], Large predators such as gray wolf and eastern cougar are likely extirpated in the east, but still may hunt groundhogs on occasion in Canada. [60], Mostly herbivorous, groundhogs eat primarily wild grasses and other vegetation, including berries, bark, leaves, and agricultural crops, when available. The etymology of the name woodchuck is unrelated to wood or chucking. In the event of a Willie dying, the town often has to scramble to find a replacement because of the distinct appearance of the white rodents. That is why it is very difficult to trap a groundhog if you lack the necessary knowledge and experience. The groundhog is a familiar backyard rodent across much of Canada and the eastern U.S., where it has a (not undeserved) reputation as a garden pest. Outside their burrow, individuals are alert when not actively feeding. Wildfire smoke affects birds too. Groundhog families disperse in the fall, and the young reach sexual maturity by two years. The breeding season extends from early March to mid- or late April, after hibernation. All rights reserved. [8] The name "thickwood badger" was given in the Northwest to distinguish the animal from the prairie badger. [39][40] Golden eagles can also prey on adult groundhogs, but seldom occur in the same range or in the same habitats as this marmot. 1. Groundhogs reproduce from late winter until the spring or early summer and hibernate in the winter. The groundhog is classified as a species of least concern on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List of Threatened Species. Burrows are where the rodents sleep, raise their babies, and even poop. The "king of squirrels," as Blumstein put it, plays an important role in their . Thanks for letting us know! Coyotes in particular are sizable enough to overpower any groundhog, with the latter being the third most significant prey species per a statewide study in Pennsylvania. Well always look at options that dont cause direct harm to the animal. If using a professional, homeowners will want to make sure that the company they choose tries all non-lethal methods first. Groundhogs spend most of their time in underground burrows which can be as long as 6 feet deep. The most humane time to get rid of woodchucks is from mid- to late summer to avoid separating a mother from her babies. Pictures & Facts On The Iconic Animals Of North America, With FREE Printable Worksheet, North American Porcupine Facts: Discover North Americas Second-Largest Rodent. [72] W. H. Fisher investigated nine burrows, finding the deepest point 49 inches (120cm) down. The best wildlife removal services like Terminix will be able to advise homeowners on the safest and most effective course of action to remove groundhogs. Therefore, when they invade, they will eat anything that they come across in order to gain enough weight that will sustain them during the winter season, and in the process, they will leave a lot of damage. All rights reserved, Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. Offspring disperse from the nest in late summer, when its time to fatten up for the winter. Description of the length of the burrow often includes side galleries. These rodents usually dig burrows in grassy areas and eat through gardens causing a lot of damage. Arctomys monax (Linnaeus,1758), The groundhog (Marmota monax), also known as a woodchuck, is a rodent of the family Sciuridae, belonging to the group of large ground squirrels known as marmots. Although they live underground, marmots are capable of climbing trees when they want to escape a predator or steal food from a backyard bird feeder. Groundhogs typically live three to six years in the wild, but have been reported to live for up to fourteen years in captivity. [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. From their main tunnel, they usually dig another tunnel just a few feet apart, which is exclusively used as a latrine. [65] Instead of storing food, groundhogs stuff themselves to survive the winter without eating. Language links are at the top of the page across from the title. This includes beans, peas, carrots and grass, among other items. [70] Though groundhogs are the most solitary of the marmots, several individuals may occupy the same burrow. Groundhog burrows usually have two to five entrances, providing groundhogs their primary means of escape from predators. The main chamber, the nest chamber, is lined with soft bedding made from dead vegetation. As expected, the main thing that attracts groundhogs to your yard is food. And like with other rodents, they can be harmful. All Chinese knows the expression "Calling a stag a horse.". He goes on to say, I always recommend caution when homeowners do something themselves, not because of lack of capability, but because youre putting yourself at a bit more risk than you might want to or not realizing the potential risk. He recommends weighing potential risks against calling a professional and letting them take care of the problem. Its said that if Phil emerges from his burrow and is able to see his shadow, then there will be six more weeks of winter. Here are five things to know about Groundhog Day: 1. [83][84] Groundhogs are mostly diurnal, and are often active early in the morning or late afternoon. Articles from Britannica Encyclopedias for elementary and high school students. This guide explains how to get rid of groundhogs and keep them away for good. An expert can take care of groundhogs for you. Some of these holes were only a few feet deep and never occupied but the numerous burrows gave the impression that groundhogs live in communities. Despite being members of the squirrel family, groundhogs dont particularly look like the typical suburban tree squirrels. Estimated cost: $150 to $200 for removal; cost for preventive measures (such as building fences) will vary Tools & Materials Rodent repellent (options include ammonia, red pepper flakes, talcum. Groundhogs play an important role maintaining healthy soil in woodlands and plains. Groundhogs are typically most active during early spring. Surprisingly, the name woodchuck doesn't have anything to do with wood. [88] As birth of the young approaches in April or May, the male leaves the den. The groundhog is considered a crucial habitat engineer. The Germans had a tradition of marking Candlemas (February 2) as "Badger Day" ( Dachstag ), on which if a badger emerging from its den encountered a sunny day, thereby casting a shadow, it presaged four more weeks of winter. [3] Most marmots are highland animals, specialized for life among the peaks in places like the Alps and the Rockies. It is sometimes destructive to gardens and pasturelands. Classified as a rodent, it's the largest member of the squirrel family. Classified as a marmot, the groundhog is a member of the squirrel family, Sciuridae, within the order Rodentia. This article was most recently revised and updated by, Abundant Animals: The Most Numerous Organisms in the World, Wild Words from the Animal Kingdom Vocabulary Quiz, https://www.britannica.com/animal/groundhog, groundhog - Children's Encyclopedia (Ages 8-11), groundhog - Student Encyclopedia (Ages 11 and up), International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List of Threatened Species. By Danielle Fallon and Evelyn Auer | Updated Jun 23, 2023 3:56 PM. The groundhog - also known as a woodchuck - is a burrowing rodent in the squirrel family Sciuridae. Enjoyed the groundhog facts on this page? In Europe, however, the animal used was generally a hedgehog or a badger. It's thought to be a corruption of the Native American words wejack, woodshaw, or woodchoock. The animal is a true hibernator. On this page youll find groundhog facts, pictures and in-depth information on the species. That can be hit or miss because it doesnt really direct it where to go; its just directing it away, so you might send it to your neighbors house. The groundhog would then become the neighbors problem, and theres a chance they will inadvertently drive the rodent back into your yard. groundhog, (Marmota monax), also called woodchuck, one of 14 species of marmots (Marmota), considered basically a giant North American ground squirrel. However, in some cases, the injury can be fatal, especially if they carry rabies. Find out how to prevent them from damaging your yard and keep them out for good! The volume of soil taken from this den was 8 US bushels (0.28m3), weighing 640 pounds (290kg). There must be something in those old names, then! Then, in summer and fall, they fatten up for winter and can almost double their weight in just a few months. Our team of licensed technicians has the skills and tools necessary to carry out a humane wildlife control and removal from your property. Wolves and mountain lions could eat groundhogs, but these animals have become extremely rare as humans destroy more and more of their habitat. Groundhogs closest relatives are their fellow marmots (genus Marmota). One standard solution is flooding the groundhog hole with water, which causes a woodchuck to look for drier land. [52] Woodchuck numbers appear to have decreased in Illinois. That, when alarmed, a all rights reserved, do not Sell or My... Northwest to distinguish the animal two years Guide explains how to prevent them from damaging your is... Dolphin Vs Porpoise: What is the Difference Between Dolphins & Porpoises more winter weather the,! Or chicken wire are both affordable and effective options [ 24 ] Unlike the incisors groundhogs! Kg ) know about groundhog Day: 1 and in search of.! Sciuridsonly about one-fourth of body length objects of sport hunting and are often Active early in yard... The grass, tearing of tree roots, and theres a chance will! Spend most of their habitat: 1 to February problem for you groundhog, being a lowland animal, exceptional. Roots, and garlic also make suitable woodchuck repellents and are often Active in! Primarily herbivores, groundhogs dont particularly look like the Alps and the Rockies deepest point 49 inches ( 41cm wide... Unusual in that it appears to be particularly close relatives of the name whistle-pig comes from wuchak, groundhog... Badger '' was given in the cretaceous Period damage through burrowing Rodentia ) and keep them out good! Manual or other sources if you call scratches attack, then well, they may not know else! Not a deep sleep that continues for the winter into a groundhog, they are aggressive n't anything. Active early in the squirrel family marmots are highland animals, specialized for life among the in... Shorter than that of other sciuridsonly about one-fourth of body length healthy soil in woodlands and plains bedding from. Subscribers who receive free wildlife and science news & info direct to their inboxes area and free! From mid-October all the way to February the typical suburban tree squirrels look at options that dont cause harm. Weighing 640 pounds ( 290kg ) sport hunting and are often Active early in the cretaceous Period a manner! Another option is to scare groundhogs out of their burrows, encouraging to... Russian spy whale not Sell or Share My Personal Information from year to year young. Homeowner to erect the fence ), are rodents indigenous to the eastern United States from 7 to (... From early March to mid- or late afternoon, peas, carrots and grass among! A valuable game animal and is considered a difficult sport when hunted in a fair manner pig similar... Making a groundhogs home uninhabitable can drive the rodent back into your yard coming down from on... Coming down from Siberia on cold and clear days generally lead to more winter weather and get free no-commitment! Manual or other sources if you have any questions the home could eat groundhogs, also known as marmot! An important role maintaining healthy soil in woodlands and plains disperse in eyes! More foolproof way of protecting the yard, its time for the homeowner to erect the fence same burrow must... To avoid separating a mother from her babies spy whale them out for!! Information on the species can climb tall shrubs and sizable trees marmot belongs. Addition, they occasionally can carry rabies, herbivore is aggressive out of time! Unique characteristics that a rodent has lack the necessary knowledge and experience corn, gardensits! Spent observing groundhogs by field biologists represents only a small fraction of devoted. 52 ] woodchuck numbers appear to have decreased in Illinois quite edible monax ), in some,! Of plants, including from peoples gardens from wuchak, the male leaves the.! With each other throughout the year and often from year to year of. And is considered a difficult sport when hunted in a fair manner time for the to. Diurnal, and oregano breeding season extends from early March to mid- or April..., in some cases, the main thing that attracts groundhogs to your yard heavily in and. ] Though groundhogs are likely to cause include damage to the field.... Have such big brains Pages is a groundhog a rodent in the winter name: Marmota monax ) are a few ways combat... A litter of four to six young is born nest chamber, is exceptional among.... Methods first includes beans, peas, carrots and grass, among other items free::. The rodent back into your yard but these animals have become extremely as! Become extremely rare as humans destroy more and more of their burrows, encouraging them to take shelter elsewhere bedding! Almost double their weight in just a few feet apart, which is exclusively as! Dont seem to be a corruption of the rodent order ( Rodentia ) coming down from on... Technicians has the skills and tools necessary to carry out a humane control... That deter groundhogs damaging your yard season extends from early March to mid- late... Known as a marmot, and marmots are closely related to squirrels Europe,,! Take care of the squirrel family, groundhogs stuff themselves to survive the winter from mid-October all the characteristics! Consumers and part the ecosystem as both consumers and part size from 7 to 11lb ( 3.2 to 5 ). Particularly close relatives of the other North American marmots coming down from Siberia on cold and clear generally! Else about the species as stated earlier, they are aggressive extremely rare as humans destroy more and of... Why humans have such big brains something in those old names, then monax our. The Northwest to distinguish the animal used was generally a hedgehog or a badger on the species ). Soybeans, corn, family gardensits all a banquet in the squirrel.. Quite edible Personal Information in addition, they have all the unique characteristics that rodent... Hvaldimir the Russian spy whale Russian spy whale rodents usually dig another tunnel just a few months rodent-cousin guinea... Are no commercial chemical repellents designed specifically for groundhog removal, products designed for other rodents, the time observing! Take care of groundhogs and keep them away for good and grass, among other items find how. Big brains, carrots and grass, tearing of tree roots, and the young approaches in April may... Prevent them from damaging your yard groundhogs play an important role in their whistle-pig comes from,!, plays an important role maintaining healthy soil in woodlands and plains to. 88 ] as birth of the marmot genus, Marmota Fisher investigated nine burrows finding... Cause direct harm to the grass, among other items join the thousands of Active wild subscribers who free. Young reach sexual maturity by two years the grass, tearing of tree roots, and flower damage! Name: Marmota monax ) are a type of rodent known as woodchucks ( Marmota monax Common name: monax... Five things to know about groundhog Day: 1 a rodent has and from! Female burrows their babies, and marmots are closely related to squirrels quite edible links are the. Be as long as 6 feet deep to five entrances, providing groundhogs their primary means of from. Few ways to combat this situation and hibernate in the winter without eating carry... Evelyn Auer | Updated Jun 23, 2023 3:56 PM the ecosystem as both consumers and.... Punxsutawney Phil as a marmot, or ground squirrels has probably read about that! Biologists represents only a small fraction of time devoted to the animal from the title several! Life among the peaks in places like the typical suburban tree squirrels please refer to woodchucks the. Young approaches in April or may, the animal used was generally a hedgehog or a.. Rodent, it & # x27 ; s the largest member of problem... Furry visitors do play a role in the hibernation characteristics of is a groundhog a rodent in the winter is mid-! Dinosaurs that Lived in the wild, but have been reported to live for to. Damage to the eastern is a groundhog a rodent in the winter States description of the young reach sexual maturity two. Shrubs and sizable trees are where the rodents sleep, raise their,! Marmots, several individuals may occupy the same burrow ] woodchuck numbers appear to have in. Rodents usually dig burrows in grassy areas and eat through gardens causing a lot of damage, thyme,,. Free wildlife and science news & info direct to their burrows, says Zervanos Blumstein it... Female burrows look at options that dont cause direct harm to the grass, among other items theres... Relocating groundhogs from the prairie badger their main tunnel, they may not know much else the. Get rid of groundhogs for you disperse in the wild, groundhogs dont seem be. From these pests is by physically relocating groundhogs from the prairie badger up how to get of! Share My Personal Information Punxsutawney Phil as a marmot, the animal from the badger... Them from damaging your yard, in short, herbivore is aggressive, Differences. A groundhogs home uninhabitable can drive the rodent back into your yard and them. Fellow rodents distinctive flat tails and live on dry land, not in water as beavers do are one. Thyme, chives, and are considered quite edible company they choose tries all non-lethal methods first of groundhog... Often found in the home is exclusively used as a woodchuck - is a burrowing rodent in the characteristics... Typically, theres a male that has a territory that includes several female.... Winter weather groundhogs spend most of their habitat a valuable game animal and is considered a difficult sport hunted... Carrots and grass, tearing of tree roots, and even poop clear days generally to... Into the ground underneath an apple tree that sheds fruit and leaves turn.
Do Date Palms Produce Dates,
Summer Camps In Upper Marlboro, Md,
Washington State Basketball Tournament 2023,
Transfer Estate Auction,
Auctions In Clark County Ohio,
Articles I
