The Groundhog

An extremely common sight in Ontario, is the Groundhog. A species of Marmot, belonging to the Squirrel family. Occasionally people mistakenly identify the Groundhog as either a Woodchuck (a slang expression) or a Ground Squirrel.

There exist three species of Marmot in North America. The Hoary Marmot makes it’s home in upper alpine meadows, while the Yellow Bellied Marmot can be found along the foothills and lower slopes of Western Canada’s mountain ranges. The only relative of these two species living in Ontario is the Groundhog, which weighs anywhere from 4 to 12 lbs. (1.4 to 4.5 kg).

The Groundhog has a much lower body temperature and heart rate than a Black Bear during it’s winter hibernation. This, however, does not prevent it from waking from it’s deep comatose-like sleep to take a stroll above ground for a brief period. In areas where the snow is extremely deep, they are not likely to do this.

In spring, the male first emerges from his den to take short walks, usually to seek out females with which it will mate. This is the only time that the two adult Groundhogs will be seen together. The apparent reason for this is that the Groundhog seems to be the least social of the Marmot family. As a result, each Groundhog’s hole is normally well separated from it’s neighbours. The young are born in April and May, and begin to explore the mouth of the burrow about one month later.

As with all young animals, Groundhog young are irresistibly cute. I know first hand just how cute they are, because when I was a kid I would occasionally sit on the side of a hill close to my house and watch Groundhogs young and old pop up out of their holes during the early morning hours. They would spend their time nibbling on grass which grew in abundance around their den openings.

And although what I’m about to tell you isn’t exactly a scientific breakthrough, I do know that Groundhogs, young and old alike, really enjoy the taste of a peanut butter sandwich! As a youngster, I would sit up on the hill above their dens and roll small pieces of peanut butter sandwich down to them. They would appear at the den opening, quickly grab the treat and disappear back down the holes. It was a lot of fun to watch.

Groundhogs are a favourite food for a variety of predators such as Mink, Weasel, Fox, Hawks and larger species of owl, like the Great Horned. However any predator taking on a large adult Groundhog should itself be strong and very wary of the Groundhog’s long and relatively sharp teeth. These can inflict a severe bite. In addition, the teeth never stop growing, just like a Beaver’s teeth. They must therefore be worn down through regular use by gnawing on roots and other vegetation.

The home of the Groundhog consists of one central den which can be identified by the high and very noticeable mound of earth surrounding it’s entrance. From this main den, is connected a series of tunnels that spread out a considerable distance. The entrances attached to these other tunnels are used for emergencies. The actual den may be as deep as five feet (approx. 1.5 m), and as long as 30 feet (approx. 9 m).

Aside from not knowing how long it takes a Groundhog to chisel out a den that size, I’m confident that it doesn’t take long, since these animals are equipped with thick, stubby and strong front claws.

In the event that danger approaches, a Groundhog will let out short bursts of whistles that are quickly heard and acknowledged by others populating the same vicinity. This warning call causes them all, or at least the ones that are vulnerable, to dart for the closest available hole within their own territory.

During late summer and early fall they eat voraciously in order to build up body fat for their long winter’s nap. Towards the end of autumn though, you’re not likely to see them, due to the fact that they are one of the first mammals to begin hibernation.