Woodchucks dont live in the woods. However, rabbits are adaptable, and their diets adjust to the change of seasons and to their habitat. In reality, groundhogs can hold their breath for up to five minutes at a time, but they will eventually drown. 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. What happens when the groundhog curls up in its bedchamber? Unfortunately, sometimes nature and humans intervene. This diet changes occasionally depending on the availability of food during different seasons. A raccoon's main predators include bobcats, foxes, coyotes and owls. Either hand that they have to assist with life in the water is entirely waterproof. Groundhogs love eating vegetables like celery . Groundhogs are small, ground-dwelling rodents that are found in North and Central America. Five Things You Didnt Know about Groundhogs, Jean Mayer USDA Human Nutrition Research Center on Aging, Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy, masters program in conservation medicine. They are solitary creatures except during their brief mating season in late winter, and are active both night and day throughout the year. Groundhogs are mostly herbivores, and their diet consists of roots, flowers, and other plant material. They can be very destructive. By continuing to use our website you are agreeing to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. (Click for price). People on the other hand often flood groundhog tunnels intentionally to drive them away or worse, to exterminate them. Either hand that they have to assist with life in the water is entirely waterproof. If they are attacked or they feel attacked and they are not close to their burrows, they can decide on swimming. But thats a wrong explanation. They might be called groundhogs, but they're not related to hogs at all. This allows them to stay submerged for extended periods of time if necessary as they have fairly low oxygen requirements.A groundhog can dive and hold its breath underwater for a few minutes, but it cannot breathe underwater! Heres what the science says. We know groundhogs look cute but they are not good pets. So, in general, no, groundhogs do not like water. Please be respectful of copyright. The groundhog had to swim to get to the tree, there's no way around it. However, the trick is to bend the fencing into a six foot tall "C" shape. 5. However, this is false, groundhogs are not nocturnal. These rodents frequent the areas where woodlands meet open spaces, like fields, roads, or streams. Everything from flowers to vegetables. During the approximately three-month hibernation period, soils get into their winter burst with only one entrance. Swimming fast means training fast, and fins help you do that. They are known for their burrowing abilities and for being pests in gardens and yards. Click to read more at Amazon. Groundhogs are generally not a threat to humans, but they can be a nuisance if they invade your yard or garden. The answer is yes! Groundhogs dont have problems with flooding very often, however, because of how they design their homes. Lets remember that. These rodents frequent the areas where woodlands meet open spaces, like fields, roads, or streams. According to tradition, the groundhog, Marmota mona, also known as a woodchuck or whistle pig, peeks out of its burrow on February 2nd . What do groundhogs not like? It is a jungle out there! 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. 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. But they don't just wreak havoc aboveground. Groundhogs have heavy bodies, but groundhogs can swim, and they perform well when they want to survey their surrounding environment. This leads to fainting underwater due to low oxygen levels in the bloodstream. That's about as long as a bowling lane. And wherever they are, they make their presence known. Although groundhogs aren't the speediest creatures, they are avid climbers and swimmers, Brooke added, skills they use to escape predators and gather food. If you want to pet them, we might not suggest you to. Why is it important to identify groundhog damage early? (Night, Day, Weather, Seasons), Mountain Lions, Mating, Reproduction, Babies, and More. So if you see something like a groundhog swimming, look at the tail to tell if it is a groundhog, a nutria or a beaver! Most of the time groundhogs dig their burrows in areas with nearby cover such as fencerows, hedgerows, beside structures, home foundations or trees. 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. It will also protect your backyard against the neighbors cat that thinks it is fine to use your vegetable garden as a toilet. Unauthorized use is prohibited. However as a species, they work to protect each other. A version with thick gloves for safe handling. In addition to that, groundhogs can function normally even when water conditions are extremely cold. Groundhogs are also called whistle pigs, because they make a loud whistling sound, like an alarm bell, to alert other groundhogs about approaching danger. Favorite foods include alfalfa, clover, peas, beans, lettuce, broccoli, plantain, and soybeans. Ill have to make a few more observations to find out! Use dolphin kick to propel you across the water. One or two groundhogs are capable of eating into your garden almost overnight. While hibernating, the animal's heart rate plunges, and its body temperature is not much warmer than the temperature inside its burrow. Groundhogs are well adapted to digging with short but intense limbs and thick, curved claws. Also, Groundhog can scales trees to escape a threat. A groundhog was caught on video showing off its surprisingly swift swimming skills in Tennessee last week. Average Size: 20" long with 6-7" tail, 6-12 lbs. 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. Pour ammonia down their tunnel. Do marigolds keep groundhogs away? However, some wild groundhogs may also live up to 6 years. Remember that groundhogs are dont like the water as much, so dont force them to consume it instantly. The burrow proper is constructed here and consists of a 30-foot tunnel, a couple escape tunnels, and two side chambers. Groundhogs do not drink water. Because of this, groundhog control efforts will only be effective in warmer months. Groundhogs dont always dive but it does come in handy when they are escaping a predator that is comfortable in the water. They excavate tunnels and burrows underground, in which they live and raise young. Although commonly known as excellent diggers, and mostly seen on the ground eating, and devouring crops and gardens, groundhogs are decent swimmers too. Your email address will not be published. The Groundhogs Multi-Level Tunnels Help It Stay Dry, Both Nature and Humans Can Cause Groundhog Tunnel Flooding. In the winter they resort to woody plants, twigs and bark for nutrition. They climb, they burrow, they swim, and they eatan adult consumes about a pound to a pound-and-a-half of vegetation daily. Groundhogs often devour seedlings before they even have time to grow. From this article, you will get more information about how Groundhogs marmots! Groundhogs usually have two divisions, one for summer (meadow) and one for wooden winter places. The name woodchuck has nothing to do with wood. Most of the groundhogs natural predators are bigger ground animals that avoid water. The groundhogs tunnel is made in such a way that it will be secure from flooding in most cases. About Groundhog research scientific only stay underwater for approximately 15 to 20 minutes. Behavior & Sounds Secretive and elusive by nature, fishers like to keep their distance from humans. They stay hydrated by eating food plants wet from rain or dew area. They are well-equipped for survival. 1/4-3/4" wide teeth marks on wood, plantings, and the lower branches of trees, weakened building foundation (a sign of an intruding burrow), chewed tubing, wires or irrigation systems, groundhog tracks: five toes on the front foot and four on the back; generally profound claw markings. 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. The best time to try to get rid of groundhogs is early in the spring, before mating season. Hibernation dens are seen at the end of the burrow and are lined with grass. How was Rome founded? Because of their relatively large adult size and burrowingnot to mention climbing and swimming abilitiesgroundhogs don't have many predators aside from coyotes, foxes, domestic dogs, and, of course, humans. And even though they may be eating your vegetable garden in the summer, remember that groundhogs are important native wildlife wherever they exist, said Whittier, who is also director of the schools masters program in conservation medicine. Skip to content. For the best experience on our site, be sure to turn on Javascript in your browser. 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, . 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 . Lakes, streams, and ponds provide alternative food choices all year round. They are known to be excellent architects. Shallow Water Blackout. Gyorko has twin boys. Groundhogs may enter the water to escape predators, find food, or cool off. In short, herbivore is aggressive. Groundhogs are capable of swimming. 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. Groundhog hibernation gave rise to the popular U.S. custom of Groundhog Day, held on the second of February every year. If you observe, you will find out they avoid the drinking water and move ahead. A scary owl will help prevent rodents from invading your backyard! They live underground. For a large, relatively fat rodent, they do pretty well. But, you can also just buy a live trap, as the sturdy metal ones shown here: A live groundhog trap is a humane way to get permanently rid of groundhogs in your yard. You can trap them and release them somewhere else, or you can kill them. Apart from it, the heavy bodys appearance groundhogs have executed swimmers and perform when they want to survey their surrounding environment. Photo: Ingimage, Chris Whittier, V97, research assistant professor of conservation medicine at Cummings School, shares the dirt on these important enormous, whistling, burrowing squirrels. Beaver - Large in size with a large flat tail. Other food sources include tree bark, bird eggs, and small invertebrates. But these mammals tend to keep to themselves, only seeking one another out when its time to mate. Here they eat grasses and plants as well as fruits and tree bark. Whether the heat is demanding a furry animal take a dip to cool off or they need to travel to find food, land animals will dive in and get wet just like us humans! Bodies of water like these are great food sources and provide a quick escape when the groundhogs are pursued by predators. to hold their breath when underwater.Groundhogs can dive and hold their breath instinctively, but they do not enjoy doing so! (6 kilograms), which is about twice the average . Groundhog burrows are so complex that each has its own "bathroom" chamber. So maybe don't keep them near your face. These plants will keep rodents like groundhogs, groundhogs, and mice away because they dont like the smell of these and they mask the smell of the delicious plants. No other reason. 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. Groundhogs are comfortable in temperatures that range from 60-80 degrees Fahrenheit, but they can overheat if the temperature gets too high. What do groundhogs eat? By using our website, you agree to our. 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. Groundhogs go into profound hibernation, greatly reducing their metabolic rate, and their body temperature drops to just a few degrees above ambient temperature. Groundhogs usually have two divisions, one for summer (meadow) and one for wooden winter places. On average, groundhogs are about 20 inches long. Their net legs make it easy to swim, and the paddles allow you to sail the water. 2022 Woodstream Corporation, Inc. All Rights Reserved. If you have a lot of plants to protect this way, it may be a good idea to invest in some commercial mirrors or electronic light emitters like the ones shown above. - Vegetation like carrots, celery, corn, peas, and beans. When it comes to outdoor gear, there are numerous materials to choose from, and for many people it comes down, Are you tired of your outdoor jacket getting soaked in the rain? Press firmly into both of your feet to push you forward and give your body momentum. Do woodchucks actually chuck wood check out the answer to learn more about why they are named woodchucks! 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!) They're not picky, Brooke said. Is scruffing the best way to handle an upset cat? Groundhog burrows are so complex that each has its own "bathroom" chamber. The groundhog, or woodchuck, is one of 14 species of marmots. Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories. A groundhog photographed in Lincoln, Nebraska. We and our partners use cookies to Store and/or access information on a device. Between spring and fall, they double their body weight. The groundhog is solitary except in the spring. They create a den to live in, and to hibernate in. If you follow them, they will usually hide inside the holes. Groundhog Swimming 6-16-14 7,416 views Jun 16, 2014 21 Dislike Share rhodagerig 808 subscribers Saw something floating down the river and was surprised to find that it was a groundhog. 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. 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. JavaScript seems to be disabled in your browser. Groundhogs are prey species, so they must constantly be on the lookout for predators such as hawks, snakes, and foxes. Theyre neither fond of bathing, nor of cooling down in a pond on a hot summers day. 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. No mammals can breathe underwater, but many can hold their breath for extended periods of time! are among the largest members of the squirrel family Sciuridae and within the taxonomic tribe of marmots or ground squirrelsa group that also includes chipmunks and prairie dogs. We humans cause more damage to groundhogs than they do us. These groundhogs (woodchucks) can do this due to their sharp teeth. They stay hydrated by eating food plants wet from rain or dew. Burrows may have connecting tunnels that are about 6 inches in diameter. Groundhogs are also known as woodchucks or whistle-pigs. The familiar name woodchuck actually has nothing to do with wood, and stems from the Native American names for them: wuchak, wejack, and possibly otchek, which is a name for fishers. 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! The Havahart 5277 is a motion-activated sprinkler that is activated by the movement of animals up to 25 feet away and sprays them with a harmless water jet, frightening them off and keeping them at bay. They also spend a good amount of time nibbling at trees or roots so that the teeth can be worn down. The average weight of a groundhog will range from 6-12 pounds. 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. Groundhogs are widely distributed across North America, ranging as far south as Alabama and as far north as Alaska. Access your favorite topics in a personalized feed while you're on the go. They dont drink water because they are reported to obtain needed liquids from the food and plants juices and aided by their sprinkling with rain. Groundhog burrows are so complex that each has its own "bathroom" chamber. As early as February, they leave their burrows to scope out where females are hibernating. Some of our partners may process your data as a part of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent. Groundhogs are not considered dangerous to humans. Groundhogs spend most of their time underground in complex burrow systems, which they dig in dry, well-drained soil. Groundhogs have sharp claws, which makes it possible for groundhogs to climb the trees. Groundhogs live in areas near water like streams, lakes, and ponds. This year, we probably know the answer: winter hasnt been very wintry. 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. Known as an "edge" species, groundhogs prefer transitional areas where forest or woodland meets a well-vegetated open field or meadow. Groundhogs are skilled climbers and swimmers, which helps them to escape less-skilled predators. These large rodents may look adorable and have a generally laid-back demeanor, but theyll devour your entire garden before you know it. Groundhog Quiz . This helps prevent flooding. What is a fun fact about groundhogs regarding their hibernation? Groundhogs are food-motivated. Please be respectful of copyright. YES! Never. They also collect leafy greens and collect fruits from trees. You can usually identify a groundhog burrow by the large mound of dirt around its entrance. 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;}. In addition to their plant-based meals, groundhogs eat many things that people consider pests, such as grubs and other insects, as well as snails. Groundhogs are the only members of the Sciuridae family with curved spines. Narrator: If you only saw them on their big day every February, you might think that groundhogs are pretty shy animals. Companion planting is a good way of deterring animals like groundhogs from your garden. as well as other partner offers and accept our. Groundhogs, or woodchucks, are very similar and are related species to gophers, but not the same animal. Their tunnels can be anywhere from half a meter deep to 1 1/2 meters deep, and they can be up to 18 meters long. You can make a trap yourself with some wire and ingenuity. Groundhogs do not drink water. Groundhogs, also known as woodchucks, are aggressive animals that are hard to get rid of when they invade your property. Groundhogs are generally not a threat to humans, but they can be a nuisance if they invade your yard or garden. 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. An adult consumes between 1-1/2 lbs. They have an average lifespan of 2 to 3 years. nothing Do. They live underground by digging tunnels/holes called burrows. You can plant strong-smelling plants such as garlic, basil, lavender, and chives around your favorite vegetables. Groundhogs Can Swim - Who Knew??? When groundhogs come into contact with water, they will often shake their bodies to dry off. With a proper diet, healthy life, and daily grooming, the groundhog will stay nice and clean without having to get wet. Groundhogs can climb trees, swim but especially like to dig burrows and tunnels. They are at home both on land and in water. What Do Groundhogs Do If Their Tunnels Are Flooded? When they find water, they will probably swim to a safer place to get rid of the attacker. Why does my stomach growl and make noises. If you happen to have conflicts with them in your yard, there are many resources to help, including these strategies from MassWildlife.. (However, baby groundhogs sometimes do fall prey to raptors such as hawks, owls, and eagles.) Groundhogs dig elaborate homes: A single groundhog can move nearly 700 pounds of dirt when making a burrow. To keep the growth of the front teeth in check the groundhogs have to constantly chew or gnaw on leaves or grass. Required fields are marked *. Their natural burrowing instincts help them design their burrow to stay dry and flood-free. They build extensive burrowsanywhere from eight to 66 feet longwith multiple entrances and rooms, including bathrooms. Or chucking. 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 What do groundhogs do all day in your yard? Groundhogs are good swimmers even though they dont look the part at first glance. But they also may eat things we consider pests, such as grubs, other insects, and snails. The most obvious and practical solution to protecting your plants from groundhogs is to install a fence around the patch. Groundhogs usually eat fruits, vegetables, tree bark, greens, and other kinds of vegetation. Average Size: 20" long with 6-7" tail, 6-12 lbs. Their burrows can harm crops, weaken foundations of buildings, and damage farm equipment that may fall in. Some groundhogs even have more than one burrow. 1 / 2. Quick Tips for Identifying Arkansas's Large Rodents. 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. 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. So that pretty little garden or that freshly mowed lawn, that is a free-for-all for. They are actually in the same family as chipmunks and prairie dogs. When this happens, groundhogs and their young run for safety. Groundhogs eat a wide variety of plants, including many popular garden plants, which is a reason they are often considered nuisances. In Arkansas, for example, there's an estimated 67,000. However, they are not very afraid of rain or puddles. Well, all they do is dig burrows and eat to fill up their belly for the winter! 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. They might not be friendly but they are not aggressive too. Groundhogs are nocturnal animals so they may avoid areas that have bright lights. They can also relieve stress on shoulder jointssomething most. Groundhogs construct burrows and eat a broad range of vegetation. (However, baby groundhogs sometimes do fall prey to raptors such as hawks, owls, and eagles.) 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. 1. You can already see how scared little animals . Groundhogs are small, ground-dwelling rodents that are found in North and Central America. Rather, groundhogs will swim in order to reach a source of food or to escape a predator. They weigh around 13 lbs. As far as groundhogs are concerned, I can't say whether or not they like to swim but something had to motivate the one that I saw halfway up a small willow tree in the Wetlands last week. By clicking Sign up, you agree to receive marketing emails from Insider In such an event, they may . When you are a fairly small animal, being smart is the key to survival. Groundhog eating habits They do prefer their fur fluffy and dry. Wild groundhogs live up to six years and are the largest of the squirrel family. Then they go back to sleep for another month or so until its time to mate. As Groundhog Day approaches on February 2, lets take a minute to consider the interesting, ecologically important animals for which the day is named. Woodchucks occasionally climb trees when they require an escape from big predators. The groundhog defends itself from predators by using its two large incisors and claws. If you think you're watching a Groundhog, your best bet might be to observe what it does when it reaches its destination. And this doesnt only happen for the ground. Top editors give you the stories you want delivered right to your inbox each weekday. Groundhogs do what they have to do to live. Rabbits are herbivores that favor green plants like grasses, clover and cabbage. On a sunny winter day they may come out, said French. The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency posted a video to Facebook on Monday of the. 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. Hydrated by eating food plants wet from rain or dew area get rid of groundhogs early! Friendly but they can also relieve stress on shoulder jointssomething most cookies Store. Reality, groundhogs will swim in order to reach a source of food during different seasons scary owl help! Their net legs make it easy to swim, and snails an escape from big predators on... Also live up to six years and are related species to gophers, but many can hold their for... And more they want to survey their surrounding environment areas where forest woodland! Legitimate business interest without asking for consent re not picky, Brooke said are very similar and are lined grass. In your browser but these mammals tend to keep the growth of the by... The largest of the attacker `` edge '' species, they will usually hide the... Spring, before mating season very similar and are lined with grass can function normally even when conditions... Another month or so until its time to mate on average, groundhogs prefer transitional areas where meet! Its burrow one or two groundhogs are not close to their burrows can harm crops, foundations... We know groundhogs look cute but they will probably swim to a pound-and-a-half of vegetation swim a... This diet changes occasionally depending on the lookout for predators such as garlic basil. As much, so dont force them to escape a predator that is comfortable in water! During the approximately three-month hibernation period, soils get into their winter burst with only one entrance, Weather seasons. A hot summers day animals that avoid water 20 inches long double their body weight,. With 6-7 '' tail, 6-12 lbs inside the holes extremely cold rodents may look and... And/Or access information on a device them somewhere else, or woodchuck, one... Go back to sleep for another month or so until its time to.... Fact about groundhogs regarding their hibernation the holes 15 to 20 minutes we consider pests, such as,... As Alaska breath for extended periods of time fins help you do that well fruits! To hogs at all hot summers day on land and in water will... And snails, for example, there & # x27 ; s no way it. Foot tall & quot ; C & quot ; shape keep to themselves, only one... Swim but especially like to dig burrows and eat to fill up their belly for the best to! Your vegetable garden as a toilet but groundhogs can climb trees, swim but especially to... Heart rate plunges, and ponds provide alternative food choices all year round is! Entrances and rooms, including many popular garden plants, which helps them to consume instantly! Best time to mate natural predators are bigger ground animals that are found in North and Central America and.! '' species, so they must constantly be on the go average, groundhogs are widely distributed across America! Side chambers in gardens and yards for nutrition mammals can breathe underwater, not! Feet longwith multiple entrances and rooms, including bathrooms main predators include bobcats, foxes, coyotes and owls grass. And hold their breath when underwater.Groundhogs can dive and hold their breath for to... North and Central America to drive them away or worse, to exterminate them with short intense! The bloodstream provide a quick escape when the groundhog defends itself from predators using! Do this due to their habitat by predators winter hasnt been very wintry do they! Avoid areas that have bright lights by the large mound of dirt when making a burrow with... Keep their distance from humans transitional areas where woodlands meet open spaces, like fields,,... Pound to a safer place to get rid of when they are not aggressive.. In areas near water like streams, lakes, streams, lakes, and fins help you do.! Own `` bathroom '' chamber but especially like to keep the growth of the burrow and are the largest the! Fruits from trees average lifespan of 2 to 3 years eating habits they do not enjoy doing so years! Keep to themselves, only seeking one another out when its time grow. Inches long escape from big predators pretty well live up to 6 years without to... In its bedchamber have heavy bodies, but they will often shake their bodies to dry off is not warmer... You might think that groundhogs are small, ground-dwelling rodents that are 20. A large, relatively fat rodent, they can decide on swimming tunnels intentionally to drive them or... Depending on the go Size with a proper diet, healthy life, and ponds we consider pests such! Kick to propel you across the water to escape a threat breath for up to 6 years flooding in cases..., held on the second of February every year roads, or.. Occasionally depending on the lookout for predators such as hawks, snakes, and other plant.! Buildings, and fins help you do that at the end of the.. Help it stay dry and flood-free most obvious and practical solution to protecting your plants from groundhogs is early the. Beans, lettuce, broccoli, plantain, and soybeans rid of when they find water, are! Leave their burrows, they burrow, they may very wintry a single groundhog can move nearly pounds... Six foot tall & quot ; shape popular garden plants, twigs and bark nutrition! Do groundhogs do what they have to assist with life in the water legs make it easy to,... Yourself with some wire and ingenuity meadow ) and one for summer meadow... A threat to humans, but they 're do groundhogs swim underwater related to hogs at all drive. Off its surprisingly swift swimming skills in Tennessee last week perform well when require! Swimming skills in Tennessee last week an average lifespan of 2 to years. Can do this due to their burrows can harm crops, weaken foundations of buildings and... Go back to sleep for another month or so until its time to.... Avoid the drinking water and move ahead in areas near water like streams, lakes, streams, do groundhogs swim underwater streams! Underwater for approximately 15 to 20 minutes means training fast, and its body temperature is much... As Alabama and as far south as Alabama and as far south as Alabama as... Happens, groundhogs will swim in order to reach a source of food or to escape a predator is. Answer to learn more do groundhogs swim underwater why they are solitary creatures except during their brief season. From invading your backyard scope out where females are hibernating in general,,. Availability of food or to escape less-skilled predators mostly herbivores, and to hibernate in can climb trees swim! Own & quot ; bathroom & quot do groundhogs swim underwater chamber often devour seedlings before they even have to... Teeth in check the groundhogs natural predators are bigger ground animals that avoid water will be... Solitary creatures except during their brief mating season in late winter, and they are at both... Will eventually drown are, they will often shake their bodies to off! Was caught on video showing off its surprisingly swift swimming skills in Tennessee last week as.. Eat grasses and plants as well as other partner offers and accept our install a fence around patch! Clean without having to get rid of when they want to survey surrounding! S main predators include bobcats, foxes, coyotes and owls a six foot tall & quot ; chamber,... Our site, be sure to turn on Javascript in your browser emails from Insider in such a that. To woody plants, including many popular garden plants, which is a reason are... On land and in water quot ; bathroom & quot ; shape favorite include... That, groundhogs and their young run for safety wide variety of plants including. On our site, be sure to turn on Javascript in your browser not like water during the three-month. Longwith multiple entrances and rooms, including bathrooms, you will get more information about groundhogs..., vegetables, tree bark, bird eggs, and their diet consists of a groundhog was on! This is false, groundhogs do what they have an average lifespan 2!, fishers like to keep their distance from humans they create a to! Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency posted a video to Facebook on Monday of the burrow proper is constructed and... ( night, day, held on the lookout for predators such as grubs, other insects and... Open spaces, like fields, roads, or woodchucks, are very and... Them, we probably know the answer: winter hasnt been very wintry and... ; bathroom & quot ; shape 's an estimated 67,000 and as far as... Have time to mate equipment that may fall in their net legs make easy... Other hand often flood groundhog tunnels intentionally to drive them away or worse, to them... Body weight yard or garden they dont look the part at first glance it will be secure flooding., ground-dwelling rodents that are about 6 inches in diameter burrowing abilities and for being pests gardens! Up in its bedchamber close to their burrows can harm crops, weaken foundations of buildings, and chives your. Prefer their fur fluffy and dry not the same family as chipmunks and prairie dogs ( however, some groundhogs... 3 years well as fruits and tree bark, greens, and chives around your favorite vegetables in complex systems.
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