Groundhogs, also known as woodchucks or whistle-pigs, are the largest species in the squirrel family. They can be found in woodland areas all across North America, or if you are unlucky, you might be able to find one rooting around in your garden.
While they might be best known for predicting the weather, groundhogs are much more complex and interesting than you might think. In fact, here are three fun facts about groundhogs to get started!
Burrows
Groundhogs have a real knack for architectural design – they can build underground burrows up to 66 feet long. These underground tunnels are complete with sleeping areas, bathrooms, and even multiple exits. Some groundhogs even have more than one burrow that they call home.
However, these impressive burrows can lead to extensive problems for homeowners. If positioned underneath a home or building, the burrows can lead to foundational problems. Or if the tunnel runs underneath a yard, individuals could injury themselves if they stepped in one of the multiple exit holes.
Solitary Creatures
For a majority of the year, groundhogs are solitary creatures. But after hibernating for about three months in the late fall, groundhogs awake in search of a mate to reproduce with.
Even after giving birth, female groundhogs do not stay with their kits for very long. The babies only stay with their mothers in the burrows for about two months, and once they are weaned, they become entirely independent.
Even though they do not live together, groundhogs still look out for one another. If there is a predator or threat in the area, groundhogs will use high-pitched shrills to warn one another. From there, groundhogs are able to seek shelter in their burrow to avoid becoming prey.
Slow Runners
Just before hibernation, groundhogs spend the majority of their time eating to build up fat stores. At times, this means eating nearly a pound of food a day.
While they might be the biggest species in their family, groundhogs are not very big animals. Adult groundhogs only range up to 22 inches in length, but can weigh up to 13 pounds, which results in a compact, yet rotund body. This extra weight turns them into slow runners, which makes it harder for them to run away from predators or danger.
Have A Groundhog Problem? Call the Experts at Shumaker Animal Control
If you think you have a groundhog problem on your property, call the experts at Shumaker Animal Control to deal with the problem for you. Our experienced team will take care of the problem in a timely manner, ensuring that your home and pets are not in any danger.
We hope you enjoyed these fun facts about groundhogs! At Shumaker Animal Control, we are a family-owned business who cares about the safety of you and your family but also about the well-being of the animals themselves. All of our trapping and control methods are humane, as we never try to hurt the angry or scared animal.
Call us at 443-854-8072, visit our website or fill out our contact form for more information.
