Woodchucks are often sighted in lawns. Photo courtesy of Lynne Charles

People often ask me the difference between a Groundhog and a Woodchuck.... the spelling. They are the same animal with two names. Let’s make that three names...  If threatened it can make a shrill whistle which led to its nickname “Whistle Pig”.

In Arkansas groundhogs are often spotted along the side of the highway eating the tall grass and weeds.  Groundhogs are primarily vegetarian but will on occasion eat eggs and bugs.  They are about the size of a cat ranging in weight from 9 to 15 pounds.  They have excellent eye sight.

They are a very clean animal even known to wipe their feet before entering their den.  They have summer dens located near feeding areas  These summer dens are dug underground abut 2 -4 feet deep.  Dens have at least two chambers to separate  sleeping and nursing from bathroom activities.  They typically line the dens with leaves.

Winter dens are deeper and generally located in dry wooded areas.  Groundhogs hibernate for about 1/3 of the year.  Males and females hibernate separately sharing quarters only for a few weeks during mating.  As soon as the young are born the father is chased out and the mother handles all maternal duties herself.  The young nurse for about 6 weeks.  Once they are able to eat on their own the mother moves each cub to a private den but she checks on them everyday  for weeks to make sure they are doing all right.

Groundhogs rarely live more than 1 or two years in the wild.  The oldest known wild groundhog was six and a half years old.  In captivity they have known to live up to 10 years.  Many die during hibernation.  It is essential that a groundhog store enough fat during the summer months to survive the 100 plus days of sleep.  They are also seseptable to pneumonia related illnesses.  Studies have shown that 77% do not survive through  the first year  hibernation.  Those that do survive the first year have greatly increased odds of  surviving additional years.  Less than 30% of the adults die annually.

Other than their waring whistle they are a fairly quiet animal that makes a grunting/chatter sound.

When people created Groundhog Day on February 21 they forgot to consult the groundhog as they do not emerge from their dens until March or April.  The males typically emerge from their dens before the females.  They use this time to scout out female dens and food sources.  It is true that Groundhogs may decided to go back to sleep (hibernation) after their first emergence.  During really cold winters their body temperature can actually drop slightly below freezing.

Breeding occurs in the early Spring and cubs are born about a month later.  Litter size is usually 3-5 cubs but can be as many as 9.

A great deal of the groundhogs day is spent watching for predators. (Fox, Owls, Bobcats. coyotes and dogs).  On average they will stand up and search for danger every 12 seconds.  If they spot approaching danger the run into their underground den.  They can climb trees with their long sharp claws which are primarily used for digging.

Groundhogs are in the “marmot”  family along with squirrels, chipmunks and prairie dogs.  Their incisor teeth grow continually so they must constantly wear them down or they can prove harmful or even fatal to the animal.

I had the pleasure of watching a family of  wild Groundhogs grow up hear at the refuge.  They were very comical and seemed to really enjoy life.  The entire family would lounge on a large log pile in the sun munching on bird seed and greens.  They took turns keeping lookout and would disappear to their burrow under the log pile when alarmed.

Although Groundhogs are often disliked by Farmers and Gardeners because of all the vegetation they consume, they actually offer significant value to pay for their meals.  Their burrows allow air and water underground which improves soil conditions.  Deserted dens are often taken over by skunks or fox that catch and eat millions of small rodents and insects.  Like everything else in nature their is a wonderful balance that should be respected.

If you want to visit a fun web sight all about ground hogs try http://www.hoghaven.com/

DONATIONS NEEDED If you would like to help any donation amount  it is greatly appreciated.  Donations should be made out to Witter Wildlife Refuge and can be sent to P.O. Box 1118, Huntsville AR 72740.

See web page under "HOW YOU CAN HELP" for specific ways you can help us help wildlife