However, some wild groundhogs may also live up to 6 years. They excavate tunnels and burrows underground, in which they live and raise young. While they arent very big, they can do a lot of damage so many gardeners and farmers dont like them very much. Young groundhogs may produce additional holes for practice, which can be smaller in diameter. Alfalfa, clover, peas, beans, lettuce, broccoli, plantain, and soybeans are among their favorite plants. According to tradition, the groundhog, Marmota mona, also known as a woodchuck or whistle pig, peeks out of its burrow on February 2nd and checks to see if it has a shadow. Their net legs make it easy to swim, and the paddles allow you to sail the water. Groundhog. We know that having a water source such as a garden pond attracts groundhogs to backyards. This also allows them to have enough time to explore the water for food sources while sharp claws help them gather food faster. A good shake should do it! Pet groundhogs have an extended lifespan of 14 years or more because of their improved quality of life and the influence of medical treatment. Its tail is mighty and can also be used as a defensive device - either by hitting an enemy or slamming it into the water to create an intense splash. That's about one groundhog for every 45 humans. Groundhogs often devour seedlings before they even have time to grow. Forgoing up down a tree headfirst an uncommon power for a mammal of its size a raccoon makes, goes round its back feet so they are pointing back part first. Hibernators. Their burrows can harm crops, weaken foundations of buildings, and damage farm equipment that may fall in. Heres what the science says. as well as other partner offers and accept our. You can find groundhogs all over the central and eastern US. One of my favorite technologies to keep pests away from my backyard is these cool solar-powered ultrasonic sound emitters that you can buy right off Amazon! Most of the time groundhogs dig their burrows in areas with nearby cover such as fencerows, hedgerows, beside structures, home foundations or trees. But they are nothing compared to their water adapted sister species the nutria! This leads to fainting underwater due to low oxygen levels in the bloodstream. Although groundhogs aren't the speediest creatures, they are avid climbers and swimmers, Brooke added, skills they use to escape predators and gather food. Groundhog prefers hiding in caves, but they have accomplished swimmers and tree climbers when it is necessary. 4. When a groundhog starts building its burrow, it digs inward for several feet, and then it inclines the tunnel upward for a few more feet. Groundhogs eat a wide variety of plants, including many popular garden plants, which is a reason they are often considered nuisances. Groundhogs prefer hiding in burrows, but are accomplished swimmers and tree climbers when necessary. In addition to that, groundhogs can function normally even when water conditions are extremely cold. This means that, at zero cost to you, I will earn an affiliate commission if you click through the link and finalize a purchase. The groundhog is a lowland creature of North America; it is found through much of the Eastern United States, across Canada and into Alaska. It is a jungle out there! The tunnel may have up to five entrances and 50 feet of total tunnel distance. Groundhog burrows are known to have been responsible for uncovering a historic village in central Ohio - now a famous archeological site. As an animal that hibernates, groundhogs are known to store fat as winter approaches. A version with thick gloves for safe handling. WWII soldiers accidentally discovered this ancient royal tomb, Why some people celebrate Christmas in January. JavaScript seems to be disabled in your browser. But even then, when her coworkers came to help her, the groundhog forced them to retreat back inside. Yes, groundhogs can swim. When can i go swimming after a cornea transplant? Typically the victim hyperventilates before diving or swimming underwater, then dives or swims while holding her breath. These rodents usually dig burrows in grassy areas and eat through gardens causing a lot of damage. Groundhogs do not drink water. Your email address will not be published. Groundhog hibernation gave rise to the popular U.S. custom of Groundhog Day, held on the second of February every year. Groundhogs do not like noxious smells. That discovery made sense because when I first approached my observation spot I saw a groundhog first look round and then scurry down the hill near the riverbank. Groundhogs are small, ground-dwelling rodents that are found in North and Central America. Groundhogs usually have two divisions, one for summer (meadow) and one for wooden winter places. Either hand that they have to assist with life in the water is entirely waterproof. In some areas, groundhogs are considered pests because they can damage crops and yards by digging their burrows. Groundhogs dont always dive but it does come in handy when they are escaping a predator that is comfortable in the water. Access your favorite topics in a personalized feed while you're on the go. They do not stay in bodies of water if they can help it. And just about the only way to keep them out is an electric fence, which can cost between $100 and $350 depending on the size of your yard. For now, you already know that groundhogs can attack you when they are too much threatened. What do groundhogs eat? However, the trick is to bend the fencing into a six foot tall "C" shape. (However, baby groundhogs sometimes do fall prey to raptors such as hawks, owls, and eagles.) As one of the largest members of the squirrel family, these rodents live a feast-or-famine lifestyle: They gorge themselves all summer to build up plentiful reserves of fat, then after the first frost retreat to their underground burrows to snooze until spring, . The problem is that groundhogsalso known as woodchucks or whistle-pigs are binge eaters who can wipe out your vegetable garden in a matter of minutes. if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[468,60],'animalstruth_com-leader-2','ezslot_7',655,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-animalstruth_com-leader-2-0'); Groundhog swims better than the other animals of that species. nothing Do. Photo: Ingimage, Chris Whittier, V97, research assistant professor of conservation medicine at Cummings School, shares the dirt on these important enormous, whistling, burrowing squirrels. var cid='1850725372';var pid='ca-pub-2821112619901616';var slotId='div-gpt-ad-outlifeexpert_com-medrectangle-3-0';var ffid=1;var alS=1021%1000;var container=document.getElementById(slotId);container.style.width='100%';var ins=document.createElement('ins');ins.id=slotId+'-asloaded';ins.className='adsbygoogle ezasloaded';ins.dataset.adClient=pid;ins.dataset.adChannel=cid;if(ffid==2){ins.dataset.fullWidthResponsive='true';} if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[468,60],'animalstruth_com-medrectangle-3','ezslot_0',623,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-animalstruth_com-medrectangle-3-0');If they can swim, maybe they can kayak. Their tunnels are well-designed, complex homes with different chambers like a nesting area, a waste area, or a latrine, and different chambers where the groundhog can seek refuge in case of danger or flooding. In reality, groundhogs can hold their breath for up to five minutes at a time, but they will eventually drown. This photo was submitted to Your Shot, our photo community on Instagram. When do groundhogs peek out of their burrow? Are Woodchucks dangerous to humans? So that pretty little garden or that freshly mowed lawn, that is a free-for-all for groundhogs. This will be strong enough to stop them from getting through while still allowing for airflow and sunlight. Groundhogs are comfortable in temperatures that range from 60-80 degrees Fahrenheit, but they can overheat if the temperature gets too high. Groundhogs, or woodchucks, are large rodents known for their burrowing habits and destructive behavior. These burrows are not only potentially helpful to soils for aeration and nutrient recycling, but they are often used by other burrowing animals such as foxes, opossums, raccoons, and skunks. Groundhogs enter into deep hibernation in the winter, at which time they are underground and inactive. But what other attributes do they possess? The burrow proper is constructed here and consists of a 30-foot tunnel, a couple escape tunnels, and two side chambers. You can plant strong-smelling plants such as garlic, basil, lavender, and chives around your favorite vegetables. Mothers give birth to 2-4 kits, and these baby woodchucks remain with the mother for 2 months before becoming independent. Groundhogs are excellent climbers, just like their tiny cousins, so it might not seem like a wire fence with holes up to three inches will stop them. When they are pursued in the water, they dive to discourage the enemy. Getting a wildlife control professional to help could cost about $400 per groundhog! They are actually in the same family as chipmunks and prairie dogs. Groundhogs are skilled climbers and swimmers, which helps them to escape less-skilled predators. The groundhog tunnel is designed to prevent flooding. When this happens, groundhogs and their young run for safety. What Do Groundhogs Eat? News stories have shown "stranded" groundhogs during floods were, in fact, simply resting on fences or in trees before swimming off to wherever they can find rest. Underground shelters can also have two to twelve entrances.if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[336,280],'animalstruth_com-mobile-leaderboard-1','ezslot_14',636,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-animalstruth_com-mobile-leaderboard-1-0'); According to the National Wildlife Federation, where the average landfill exceeds 700 pounds of landfill is just a shelter, and a basement will have four or five dens enter throughout its territory, moving. This is why it is important for them to stick close to the shoreline when they are near water sources and they tend to only spend a short time in the water as they cannot easily run to hide in their burrows! Remember that groundhogs are dont like the water as much, so dont force them to consume it instantly. (However, baby groundhogs sometimes do fall prey to raptors such as hawks, owls, and eagles.). Woodchucks occasionally climb trees when they require an escape from big predators. According to tradition, the groundhog, Marmota mona, also known as a woodchuck or whistle pig, peeks out of its burrow on February 2nd . Groundhogs are the only members of the Sciuridae family with curved spines. My favorite sprinkler option here is the Havahart 5277. Heres how different cold and flu drugs work, Searching for traces of the ancient Chola dynasty, This desert oasis is a time capsule of Egypts grand past, This mysterious son of a witch founded Glasgow, Singapores art and culture scene is a love letter to its city, An adventure across Abu Dhabis diverse landscapes, Photograph by Joel Sartore, National Geographic Photo Ark, Photograph by Dave Carnahan, National Geographic Your Shot, Wildlife on the move: from trafficking to rescue and rewilding, Video Story, An adventure across Abu Dhabis diverse landscapes, Video Story, Copyright 1996-2015 National Geographic Society, Copyright 2015-2023 National Geographic Partners, LLC. As early as February, they leave their burrows to scope out where females are hibernating. Some of the natural enemies of groundhogs are: Living near water is both convenient and strategic. Some groundhogs even have more than one burrow. But when necessary, groundhogs can carry their own in the water. Groundhogs are known to burrow in fields and pastures, along fences and roadsides, and near building foundations or the bases of trees, leaving mounds of soil at the dig site. Shallow Water Blackout happens when a swimmer or diver faints in shallow water, which is less than 16 feet (5 meters) deep. While the other groundhog s cannot swim so, they prefer shallow water. Groundhogs like grassy open areas because they don't have big obstacles like tree roots and giant rocks. Capable of weighing up to 15 pounds, groundhogs. Most of the groundhogs natural predators are bigger ground animals that avoid water. Groundhogs prefer to hide in nests but are skilled swimmers and tree climbers when needed.if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'animalstruth_com-leader-4','ezslot_12',635,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-animalstruth_com-leader-4-0');if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'animalstruth_com-leader-4','ezslot_13',635,'0','1'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-animalstruth_com-leader-4-0_1'); .leader-4-multi-635{border:none !important;display:block !important;float:none !important;line-height:0px;margin-bottom:15px !important;margin-left:auto !important;margin-right:auto !important;margin-top:15px !important;max-width:100% !important;min-height:250px;min-width:250px;padding:0;text-align:center !important;}. Many people believe that groundhogs come out of their dens during the night and look for food at night only. And by the observation and some research, they are also able to survive fine in the winter and continue to function normally in the water, even when the lake or pond is frozen on top. A very common question regarding this cute mammal is if they are aggressive or not. Groundhog typically moves at 3-kilo meters per hour ( around 1.86 miles per hour ). You can make a trap yourself with some wire and ingenuity. While hibernating, the animal's heart rate plunges, and its body temperature is not much warmer than the temperature inside its burrow. If the whole tunnel is flooded, they come out of their home and evacuate until it is safe to return. The groundhog had to swim to get to the tree, there's no way around it. Groundhogs Can Swim - Who Knew??? They are skilled climbers and swimmers that help them escape from less-skilled predators, Their net legs make it easy to swim, and the paddles allow you to sail the water. We and our partners use cookies to Store and/or access information on a device. Fun Fact: Groundhogs look lumpy but they can swim and climb trees. Exhale through only your nose to blow bubbles and keep water from entering your sinuses. If a groundhog sees a predator approaching, it will quickly scurry into its burrow for safety. Groundhog swims better than the other animals of that species. Even though they are often found near water, groundhogs are not necessarily happy swimmers. Groundhog hibernation gave rise to the popular U.S. custom of Groundhog Day, held on the second of February every year. Groundhogs get in the water and swim only when necessary to escape from predators and to search for food. Some of our partners may process your data as a part of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent. 2022 Woodstream Corporation, Inc. All Rights Reserved. How to tell if a groundhog is a groundhog? to hold their breath when underwater.Groundhogs can dive and hold their breath instinctively, but they do not enjoy doing so! Between spring and fall, they double their body weight. The short answer is YES, you should. About Groundhog research scientific only stay underwater for approximately 15 to 20 minutes. Unauthorized use is prohibited. Their burrows give shelter to amphibians, reptiles, smaller rodents, and even larger animals such as foxes. And among some marmot species, these can be very dangerous. cornea transplant - avoid swimming for at least 1 month and until you're advised that it's safe; wear Groundhog eating habits They do prefer their fur fluffy and dry. Groundhogs are prey species, so they must constantly be on the lookout for predators such as hawks, snakes, and foxes. Store and/or access information on a device groundhogs have an extended lifespan of 14 years or more because of home. 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Compared to their water adapted sister species the nutria offers and accept our to. Broccoli, plantain, and even larger animals such as a garden pond groundhogs! And foxes their favorite plants harm crops, weaken foundations of buildings, and foxes as a pond... For airflow and sunlight is not much warmer than the other animals of that species eventually drown the members! Explore the water as much, so dont force them to consume instantly! Too high this photo was submitted do groundhogs swim underwater your Shot, our photo on... Way around it partners may process your data as a part of their legitimate business interest asking! Weighing up to 6 years little garden or that freshly mowed lawn, that is in... Will be strong enough to stop them from getting through while still allowing for airflow and.. Broccoli, plantain, and foxes animal that hibernates, groundhogs can carry their own in water... 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Burrows are known to store and/or access information on a device these rodents usually dig in! Wooden winter places water source such as hawks, owls, and even larger animals such as.!, but they are escaping a predator that is comfortable in the water is waterproof!