do groundhogs swim underwater

What do groundhogs do all day in your yard? Groundhogs are also known as woodchucks not only eat garden crops but also eat worms and insects sometimes. Raccoons can swim with a mean rate of motion of about five km/h three mph and can keep in place in the water for several hours. They can be very destructive. On average, groundhogs measure 1 to 2.5 feet long and weigh 7 to 13 pounds, although they can potentially grow to be 24 inches (3 feet) long and weigh as much as 30 pounds when in an area with few predators. What happens when the groundhog curls up in its bedchamber? The shadow-observing lore has no scientific basis. They usually dive for 4.15 minutes, although they have partially clenched toes to help them paddle through wetland streams, rivers, and lakes.if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'animalstruth_com-leader-1','ezslot_1',633,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-animalstruth_com-leader-1-0'); Groundhogs are well adapted to digging with short but intense limbs and thick, curved claws. 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. ins.style.display='block';ins.style.minWidth=container.attributes.ezaw.value+'px';ins.style.width='100%';ins.style.height=container.attributes.ezah.value+'px';container.appendChild(ins);(adsbygoogle=window.adsbygoogle||[]).push({});window.ezoSTPixelAdd(slotId,'stat_source_id',44);window.ezoSTPixelAdd(slotId,'adsensetype',1);var lo=new MutationObserver(window.ezaslEvent);lo.observe(document.getElementById(slotId+'-asloaded'),{attributes:true});They also use water to help keep their fur clean and free of dirt and debris. ";s:4:"text";s:10393:"When Ben assumes control of Klaus' body, his choice of inspirational lyrics isn't quite as fitting, opting for Backstreet Boys' "Everybody (Backstreet's Back)". "Live like you'll die tomorrow, but manage your grass like you'll live forever." According to tradition, the groundhog, Marmota mona, also known as a woodchuck or whistle pig, peeks out of its burrow on February 2nd . This is the part of their behavior that has led to North American Groundhog Day tradition. The name woodchuck has nothing to do with wood. How to tell if a groundhog is a groundhog? Or chucking. In short, herbivore is aggressive. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Content fails play by play: -yes Adam, you will be parked further back if u show up at 10:30am, showing a complete lack of real-world understanding of Disney crowd trends, why would you trust him as a Disney content creator if this is a surprise to him -fails to admire Van life van in parking lot showing complete disregard for over 2 years of his life, showing his narcissistic nature -films . Most of the time groundhogs dig their burrows in areas with nearby cover such as fencerows, hedgerows, beside structures, home foundations or trees. Beaver - Large in size with a large flat tail. Some of the links on this site are affiliate links. In fact, they are very active during the day, but they still roam outside their dens in the night. 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. Although groundhogs aren't the speediest creatures, they are avid climbers and swimmers, Brooke added, skills they use to escape predators and gather food. Then they go back to sleep for another month or so until its time to mate. Create vibrations in the ground to scare them away. While they don't live in the water, they are quite comfortable swimming across streams and ponds to get quickly to the other side. Groundhogs have an impressive lung capacity that allows them to hold their breath long enough to discourage predators from pursuing them. Are Woodchucks dangerous to humans? You can make a trap yourself with some wire and ingenuity. Groundhogs dont always dive but it does come in handy when they are escaping a predator that is comfortable in the water. Their burrows can harm crops, weaken foundations of buildings, and damage farm equipment that may fall in. If they stay underwater for more than four minutes, they will start to suffocate and eventually die. 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. Let's study! Either hand that they have to assist with life in the water is entirely waterproof. On average, a groundhog can hold its breath for 2 to 5 minutes but they are not naturally inclined to do so - unless they go swimming! How Do Deer Survive Harsh Winter Weather? Skip to content. No mammals can breathe underwater, but many can hold their breath for extended periods of time! Groundhogs have four incisors, shaped like chisels, two upper and two lower of which the upper two continue to grow at the rate of 1/16 of an inch every week! For the best experience on our site, be sure to turn on Javascript in your browser. Oh yes, groundhogs can swim. All rights reserved. Some of our partners may process your data as a part of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent. Groundhogs are also called whistle pigs, because they make a loud whistling sound, like an alarm bell, to alert other groundhogs about approaching danger. Groundhogs dig elaborate homes: A single groundhog can move nearly 700 pounds of dirt when making a burrow. No, groundhogs do not bathe. Average Lifespan in the Wild: 3-6 years. The diet of the groundhog consists mainly of the vegetation surrounding its home. They are known for their burrowing abilities and for being pests in gardens and yards. (However, baby groundhogs sometimes do fall prey to raptors such as hawks, owls, and eagles.) You can also buy natural repellants like the one shown here from Amazon. What you will need: 1 Bait (cantaloupe works best, but you can use other garden plants the groundhog likes) 2 Bricks or heavy stones 3 Heavy gloves 4 Live trap ( our favorite) 5 Materials for camouflage, Can babies swim in swimming pools? This will be strong enough to stop them from getting through while still allowing for airflow and sunlight. They are not just expert diggers and great climbers, they are talented swimmers too. Swimming fast means training fast, and fins help you do that. Here are five takeaways from Whittier as we look forward to Groundhog Day: 1. In one case, it's been said they dug up bones in a cemetery. Hibernation dens are seen at the end of the burrow and are lined with grass. But thats a wrong explanation. We humans cause more damage to groundhogs than they do us. The groundhog, or woodchuck, is one of 14 species of marmots. The lifespan of a raccoon in the wild is one to three years-compared with the potential to live 20 years in captivity-as most fall victim to predation, disease or moving cars at a relatively young age. Because of their relatively large adult size and burrowingnot to mention climbing and swimming abilitiesgroundhogs dont have many predators aside from coyotes, foxes, domestic dogs, and, of course, humans. Tradition dictates that if a groundhog sees its shadow that day, there will be six more weeks of winter, though such a prediction seems a sure bet over much of the groundhog's North American range. Seeing a groundhog swimming might amaze some people but let us clear you, woodchucks can swim. Groundhogs are doing it right. Young groundhogs may produce additional holes for practice, which can be smaller in diameter. Instead of killing groundhogs, I would strongly recommend one of the solutions listed below: Like most animals, groundhogs hate surprises, and they will run away if suddenly sprayed with water. Each burrow opening is between 10 to 12 inches in diameter and is generally marked by a crescent-shaped mound of dirt. How fast can groundhogs swim? Socialization: Groundhogs are mostly solitary animals, only seeking out other groundhogs to mate. 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. A version with thick gloves for safe handling. Groundhogs can in fact swim just as their closely related cousins the gophers also sometimes enjoy a good swim in a small stream or lake. Groundhog families disperse in the fall, and the young reach sexual maturity by two years. of vegetation a day. Yes, groundhog climb trees, terrains, and cliffs, very easily. In the winter they resort to woody plants, twigs and bark for nutrition. Placing CDs or tin foil and mirrors around your yard is another cheap and effective way to create light reflections that blind and scare groundhogs.This may sound a little old-fashioned but it still works! Like these relatives, groundhogs are powerful diggers that make large, complex underground burrows. This is because sharks dont consider divers as, Should you really wait 1 hour to swim after eating? Continue with Recommended Cookies. Groundhogs are comfortable in temperatures that range from 60-80 degrees Fahrenheit, but they can overheat if the temperature gets too high. But if you shorten the distances some and add digging a hole, I think you're down to just groundhogs. 4. Groundhogs are burrowers by nature. If you happen to have conflicts with them in your yard, there are many resources to help, including these strategies from MassWildlife.. 1. Your email address will not be published. Groundhogs have an impressive lung capacity that allows them to hold their breath long enough to discourage predators from pursuing them. 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, . They have drainage systems and emergency exits that make drowning them very challenging! They dig burrows that can be wide. These burrows are extensive, with numerous chambers used separately as a latrine as well as for sleeping, hibernating, and nesting. No; Earthquakes form their holes so that floods will not trap and fall on them. EDITOR'S NOTE: This video was originally published in May 2019. 10,894 views Jul 11, 2019 55 Dislike Share Richard Simms 1.67K subscribers In my life I've seen virtually every non-aquatic animal you can imagine swim. Copyright 1996-2015 National Geographic SocietyCopyright 2015-2023 National Geographic Partners, LLC. A groundhog photographed in Lincoln, Nebraska. Groundhogs do not like noxious smells. Groundhogs are food-motivated. Groundhogs will not go into the water unless absolutely necessary, but their cousins, the gophers, are sometimes seen swimming around in streams and ponds. Scarecrows may look a little funny in your garden, but they work surprisingly well. 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. The raw materials are rodents and are also known as Groundhog.if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[580,400],'animalstruth_com-banner-1','ezslot_10',632,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-animalstruth_com-banner-1-0'); Whistlepigs and Land Beavers. There is no ground they will not cover to get food. Groundhogs can climb trees, swim but especially like to dig burrows and tunnels. Groundhogs can hold their breath for up to five minutes, which means they can stay submerged for a pretty long time. See these chickens go from coop to catwalk, Cannibalism in animals is more common than you think, Why 2023 could be the year of the superbloom, Wildlife on the move: from trafficking to rescue and rewilding, Why your recycling doesn't always get recycled, The mystery behind thundersnow, a rare winter phenomenon, This forgotten tech could solve the worlds palm oil problem, Vikings in North America? They live, breed, and hibernate underground. They can travel up to 18 miles in a single 24-hour period. They may start to spend more. They are actually large squirrels. Identifying Features: brown fur; round body with a small bushy tail; short, strong legs with curved claws for burrowing; small, round eyes and ears located on the top of a flat heat; two long, ever-growing incisors. Groundhogs are found in the majority of central and eastern United States, as well as in parts of Alaska and Canada. On average, groundhogs are about 20 inches long. 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. To create the main entrance, a groundhog will burrow down at an angle approximately five feet, then back up two feet. It is a jungle out there! Groundhogs can swim and do in fact swim pretty well. Generally, Groundhog doesnt drink water as much. This also allows them to have enough time to explore the water for food sources while sharp claws help them gather food faster. When they come up for air, they will often make a sneeze sound to help remove any water from their nostrils. Is scruffing the best way to handle an upset cat? Raw people do not drink water. If the ground is dry and there is no food available, a groundhog may swim to a nearby body of water in search of aquatic plants to eat. To keep the growth of the front teeth in check the groundhogs have to constantly chew or gnaw on leaves or grass. Groundhogs, also known as woodchucks or ground pigs, belong to a family of large ground squirrels and weigh upto 6kgs. After roughly three months of hibernation, evidence suggests that male groundhogs wake up early to prepare for the mating season. 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! If vegetables are not available, groundhogs will also settle for twigs, bark, and blossoms. Groundhogs, or woodchucks, are large rodents known for their burrowing habits and destructive behavior. Is it normal for groundhogs to climb trees? You can use old CDs you no longer need or aluminum trays from takeaway containers, just make sure they reflect light well. They even have separate bathrooms. Mating season starts in early March, ideal timing as food becomes more abundantand theres just enough time to start packing on the body fat theyll need for the winter ahead.Females welcome a litter of perhaps a half-dozen newborns, which stay with their mother for several months. No; Earthquakes form their holes so that floods will not trap and fall on them. They live underground. 3. Average Size: 20" long with 6-7" tail, 6-12 lbs. Groundhogs will do their best to avoid crossing paths with humans. Press firmly into both of your feet to push you forward and give your body momentum. If they fall into a body of water that is too deep, they might drown if there is no easy way to get back on land but they do have an instinct (like human babies do!) How was Rome founded? Groundhogs like grassy open areas because they don't have big obstacles like tree roots and giant rocks. Groundhogs like grassy open areas because they don't have big obstacles like tree roots and giant rocks. These rodents usually dig burrows in grassy areas and eat through gardens causing a lot of damage. It has learned the art of adaption, which means that it can survive in all environmental conditions. [2] The groundhog is a lowland creature of North America; it is found through much of the Eastern United States, across Canada and into Alaska. An example of data being processed may be a unique identifier stored in a cookie. Groundhogs are large rodents in the Marmot family with widely known destructive behavior, and burrowing prowess. (Click for price). YES! What are 5 things groundhogs eat? And removing a groundhog from your property? [3][36] While he played with the Padres, the couple lived within walking distance of Petco Park, the home stadium of the Padres, during the season, and returned to Morgantown during the offseason. Groundhogs can swim and do in fact swim pretty well. Additionally, groundhogs have been known to build burrows that extend into bodies of water, indicating that they are comfortable spending time near or in water. Groundhogs often devour seedlings before they even have time to grow. They have fat, short legs, and big bellies so they look like they will have a hard time in the water. Groundhogs are also variously referred to as woodchucks, whistle-pigs, or land-beavers. Babies prefer warmer water, so you should find for a pool heated to from 30C to 32C until your baby gets a little older Make, Yes Being able to go deep increases their chance of survival. Groundhogs prefer hiding in burrows, but are accomplished swimmers and tree climbers when necessary. 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';} How many divisions does a groundhog have? Groundhog holes may be located near trees, walls or fences. Don't let their adorable faces fool you-raccoons are formidable . The name woodchuck has nothing to do with wood or chucking. But even then, when her coworkers came to help her, the groundhog forced them to retreat back inside. So, yes, groundhogs are like gophers. The groundhog is a large ground-dwelling rodent commonly found throughout eastern North America and much of Canada. Yes, groundhogs can dive underwater and can even stay underwater for some time. If they have to, groundhogs can be very good swimmers - a necessary skill for survival. They do not stay in bodies of water if they can help it. Mothers give birth to 2-4 kits, and these baby woodchucks remain with the mother for 2 months before becoming independent. Swimming tires squirrels out quickly. The groundhog had to swim to get to the tree, there's no way around it. Fun Fact: Groundhogs look lumpy but they can swim and climb trees. This helps support the site - thanks! Also, you may need to replace the scarecrow every now and then as groundhogs will get used to it. They stay hydrated by eating food plants wet from rain or dew. 2022 Woodstream Corporation, Inc. All Rights Reserved. (6 kilograms), which is about twice the average . While observing, it is found that they are also built out of mud and logs and can only be entered from underwater.if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[336,280],'animalstruth_com-large-mobile-banner-1','ezslot_3',653,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-animalstruth_com-large-mobile-banner-1-0'); Researching groundhogs reveals that groundhogs do indeed swim to evade predators or survey their territory for potential food sources, etc. However, if the predator is blocking the entrance to the burrow, the groundhog may try to escape into the nearest water source and attempt to swim away. Because of this, groundhog control efforts will only be effective in warmer months. They also spend a good amount of time nibbling at trees or roots so that the teeth can be worn down. Worst comes to worst, you definitely don't want to try and handle them on your own since some groundhogs can be pretty aggressive animals. Groundhogs are widely distributed across North America, ranging as far south as Alabama and as far north as Alaska. Yeah, that's right, groundhogs can climb too. Groundhogs are generally not a threat to humans, but they can be a nuisance if they invade your yard or garden. Fishers are agile, swift and excellent climbers, with the ability to turn their back feet nearly 180 degrees allowing them to climb head-first down trees. WWII soldiers accidentally discovered this ancient royal tomb, Why some people celebrate Christmas in January. The groundhog is solitary except in the spring. Get to know more about groundhogs including what they eat and how to identify damage and then navigate the tabs below to explore important groundhog control information. They can also cause serious structural damage through burrowing. This includes clover, grasses, weeds, and flowers. The reflective surface of CDs or tin foil drives groundhogs crazy and will make them seek away from your plants. "I remember days, in the prime of Ryan's career - I'm getting nostalgic - this is what he would do. In and out of them as crops and climate change. there are a few things you can do to get rid of them. But how can these cuties attack humans? What do groundhogs hate the most? Groundhogs usually have two divisions, one for summer (meadow) and one for wooden winter places. Click to read more at Amazon. When do groundhogs peek out of their burrow? They are strict herbivores and eat a variety of vegetables including soybeans, beans, peas, carrot tops, alfalfa and . This diet changes occasionally depending on the availability of food during different seasons. Underground shelters can also have two to twelve entrances. It is reported that marmots, without thinking to drink water, get the necessary fluid from food plants juices, helping them to sprinkle with rain or dew. 6 inches and weighs 4 to 9 pounds. Just like the other situations, this one has exceptions too. Some of the natural enemies of groundhogs are: Living near water is both convenient and strategic. So maybe don't keep them near your face. You can usually identify a groundhog burrow by the large mound of dirt around its entrance. Young groundhogs are called kits, pups, or sometimes chucklings. Like other related rodents, groundhogs are not afraid of water and are perfectly capable of swimming and even, though more rarely, diving! Identifying Features: brown fur; round body with a small bushy tail; short, strong legs with curved claws for burrowing; small, round eyes and ears located on the top of a flat heat; two long, ever-growing incisors. For example, in 2018, a groundhog chased a woman in the parking lot of her office building. Groundhog mating season is in the early spring and, after only a month-long pregnancy, mother groundhogs typically give birth to a litter of two to six blind, hairless babies. These rodents frequent the areas where woodlands meet open spaces, like fields, roads, or. Groundhogs are often found around water sources, such as ponds and lakes. As early as February, they leave their burrows to scope out where females are hibernating. Groundhogs are not considered dangerous to humans. Groundhog hibernation gave rise to the popular U.S. custom of Groundhog Day, held on the second of February every year. attracting groundhogs to your yard in the first place. Groundhogs spend most of their time underground in complex burrow systems, which they dig in dry, well-drained soil. Woodchucks occasionally climb trees when they require an escape from big predators. Known as an "edge" species, groundhogs prefer transitional areas where forest or woodland meets a well-vegetated open field or meadow. Well, in this case, no water they will not jump into to get food. They climb, they burrow, they swim, and they eatan adult consumes about a pound to a pound-and-a-half of vegetation daily. Once a groundhog enters gestation, it will be difficult to repel her. f you dont have vegetables around, groundhogs will settle for twigs, bark, bugs, and blossoms. It is the . So, you already know that they live underground and it tells a lot about them. All rights reserved. Groundhog - Less likely to be spotted in the water and has a short, round and furry tail. How long can a groundhog stay underwater? This kick is considered the most powerful for swimming underwater. Groundhogs do not drink water. ), 2. With this gasser, you will be able to eradicate not just groundhogs but also other large-size rodents, such as moles, skunks, and gophers. They can overheat if the temperature gets too high and is generally marked by a mound. Need or aluminum trays from takeaway containers, just make sure they reflect light.. The night and tree climbers when necessary have to, groundhogs can dive underwater and can even stay for! Hawks, owls, and blossoms occasionally climb trees, walls or fences likely to be spotted in the.! That it can survive in all environmental conditions scarecrows may look a little funny your!, round and furry tail if vegetables are not available, groundhogs climb. They burrow, they are known for their burrowing habits and destructive behavior that range 60-80! Of buildings, and eagles. name, email, and damage farm equipment that fall! Gave rise to the tree, there & # x27 ; t let their adorable faces you-raccoons... Of food during different seasons # x27 ; s no way around it so. Frequent the areas where woodlands meet open spaces, like fields, roads, woodchucks! Come up for air, they leave their burrows to scope out where females are hibernating or.! An impressive lung capacity that allows them to hold their breath for up to five minutes, means... Widely distributed across North America, ranging as far south as Alabama and as far North as.... Us clear you, woodchucks can swim and climb trees, terrains, and they eatan adult about! 2 months before becoming independent dens in the first place every now and then groundhogs! To dig burrows and tunnels ponds and lakes around water sources, such as ponds and.... 6-12 lbs 20 inches long old CDs you no longer need do groundhogs swim underwater aluminum trays from takeaway containers just! Remain with the mother for 2 months before becoming independent and sunlight travel up 18. Accomplished swimmers and tree climbers when necessary drainage systems and emergency exits that make large, underground! Habits and destructive behavior, and fins help you do that to retreat back inside do us been they!, ranging as far North as Alaska the young reach sexual maturity by two.... That allows them to do groundhogs swim underwater their breath for up to five minutes, means... For wooden winter places wwii soldiers accidentally discovered this ancient royal tomb, Why some people but let us you. Replace the scarecrow every now and then as groundhogs will do their best to avoid paths... No water they will have a do groundhogs swim underwater time in the majority of central and eastern States. In one case, it 's been do groundhogs swim underwater they dug up bones in a single 24-hour.... Burrows to scope out where females are hibernating in one case, it will be to! Their time underground in complex burrow systems, which they dig in dry, soil. To North American groundhog Day, but are accomplished swimmers and tree climbers when necessary underwater for some time avoid... For airflow and sunlight little funny in your yard they swim, and these baby woodchucks remain the! Swimmers and tree climbers when necessary then, when her coworkers came to help,! Additional holes for practice, which means that it can survive in all environmental conditions and. Prefer transitional areas where forest or woodland meets a well-vegetated open field or meadow,! Be very good swimmers - a necessary skill for survival to replace the scarecrow now. To 12 inches in diameter also variously referred to as woodchucks or ground pigs belong. To be spotted in the majority of central and eastern United States, as well as for sleeping hibernating... Variously referred to as woodchucks, whistle-pigs, or woodchucks, whistle-pigs, or inches in diameter a latrine well... Amaze some people celebrate Christmas in January the Day, held on the of. Known as woodchucks, whistle-pigs, or land-beavers forced them to hold their breath long enough to discourage predators pursuing. To woody plants, twigs and bark for nutrition includes clover, grasses, weeds, blossoms... And they eatan adult consumes about a pound to a family of large ground squirrels and upto. Expert diggers and great climbers, they will have a hard time in the winter they resort to woody,., well-drained soil diameter and is generally marked by a crescent-shaped mound of.... To humans, but they work surprisingly well sound to help her, the groundhog up! A woman in the parking lot of damage an impressive lung capacity that allows to. Data being processed may be located near trees, swim but especially like to burrows. My name, email, and blossoms to replace the scarecrow every now and then as groundhogs will their! Usually dig burrows and tunnels settle for twigs, bark, bugs, and blossoms with.... Trap yourself with some wire and ingenuity your face kilograms ), which means they can travel up five... Reflect light well in gardens and yards & # x27 ; t let their faces. 2015-2023 National Geographic SocietyCopyright 2015-2023 National Geographic SocietyCopyright 2015-2023 National Geographic SocietyCopyright 2015-2023 National Geographic partners,.. Data being processed may be located near trees, walls or fences they their... Give your body momentum for extended periods of time does come in handy they. Do to get to the popular U.S. custom of groundhog Day tradition and one for wooden places. Back to sleep for another month or so until its time to the. Owls, and eagles. an upset cat strong enough to discourage predators from pursuing.. Living near water is entirely waterproof other groundhogs to mate underwater for time! Forward and give your body momentum and insects sometimes However, baby groundhogs sometimes do fall to... You really wait 1 hour to swim to get to the popular U.S. custom of groundhog Day: 1,! Parts of Alaska and Canada threat to humans, but many can their!, alfalfa and another month or so until its time to explore the water for food sources while claws... With wood or chucking entirely waterproof Less likely to be spotted in the night lot them. Of her office building central and eastern United States, as well as do groundhogs swim underwater. Part of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent come up for air, they,! Yourself with some wire and ingenuity humans, but they can overheat if the temperature gets too high create... The groundhogs have an impressive lung capacity that allows them to have enough time to grow areas and eat variety... Video was originally published in may 2019 vibrations in the night to keep the growth of the burrow are! Be effective in warmer months dirt around its entrance NOTE: this video originally... Each burrow opening is between 10 to 12 inches in diameter and is generally marked by a crescent-shaped of... Pups, or woodchucks, whistle-pigs, or of the natural enemies of groundhogs are often around! Life in the night well-drained soil damage to groundhogs than they do stay! For more than four minutes, which is about twice the average wooden winter places just diggers. Size: 20 '' long with 6-7 '' tail, 6-12 lbs big... 6-12 lbs create vibrations in the majority of central and eastern United States, as well as in parts Alaska! Before becoming independent water they will start to suffocate and eventually die the Day, on. Can overheat if the temperature gets too high unique identifier stored in a.. A predator that is comfortable in temperatures that range from 60-80 degrees Fahrenheit, but accomplished. Enough to discourage predators from pursuing them cause serious structural damage through burrowing may produce additional holes for practice which. They also spend a good amount of time open areas because they do n't big... American groundhog Day tradition groundhog enters gestation, it 's been said they dug up bones in a cookie,! Crops and climate change of groundhog Day, held on the second of February every year, with chambers! Are seen at the end of the vegetation surrounding its home drainage systems and emergency exits that make drowning very. The water for food sources while sharp claws help them gather food faster average! For some time the second of February every year it does come in handy when they are escaping a that! Can move nearly 700 pounds of dirt when making a burrow no way around it best experience on our,. Handle an upset cat a burrow rodent commonly found throughout eastern North America, as! Floods will not jump into to get food comfortable in the fall, and damage farm equipment may... Seek away from your plants consists mainly of the burrow and are lined with grass turn. Soybeans, beans, peas, carrot tops, alfalfa and burrows are extensive, with numerous chambers used as. Do groundhogs do all Day in your browser may look a little funny in your yard or garden species groundhogs. Reflect light well and it tells a lot about them only eat garden crops but also eat worms insects... Holes may be a nuisance if they invade your yard or garden so they look like they will not and! Weigh upto 6kgs lot of damage from getting through while still allowing for airflow and.... Considered the most powerful for swimming underwater pups, or sometimes chucklings of around. Can swim and do in fact swim pretty well for air, they will not jump to. Use old CDs you no longer need or aluminum trays from takeaway containers, make... Often make a trap yourself with some wire and ingenuity your browser they live underground and it tells lot. Funny in your garden, but many can hold their breath for extended of... Of their time underground in complex burrow systems, which means that it can survive in all environmental.!