Did you know that groundhogs can climb?

Imagine my surprised when I looked out the window and saw this large critter in the tray feeder! It was a first for us. Living in a suburban area, surrounded by woodlands we always wanted to provide a sanctuary for a groundhog. I say “a” groundhog as they are solitary animals. So needless to say my husband was thrilled that one had discovered our yard and feeders. The first photo is from last year, July 2015.

Groundhog - Feeder 07-24-2015_7YF6926P web (72-3) — Groundhog in tray feeder – Summer 2015

The groundhog (woodchuck) is a relative of the squirrel and is considered a “marmot.” They are larger than squirrels and can weigh around 10 to 15 pounds and reach lengths of 16 – 20 inches (not including the tail). Their tails are short and bushy and can measure anywhere from 4 to 7 inches. Fur is coarse and usually brownish gray in color.

Groundhogs are burrowers. Burrows can range from 8 feet to 66 feet long and as deep as 6 feet, with multiple exits and a number of chambers. In the burrows these rodents sleep, hibernate and females raise their young. They have a territory range from 2 to 3 acres.

They are herbivores, eating grass, clover, dandelion greens, leaves, stems, bark and buds as well as actual fruits and vegetables from gardens. They also eat nuts, insects, grubs and snails.

With another year beginning and spring turning into summer, I wondered if we would again be visited by a groundhog. The answer is “Yes”. Yesterday as I gazed out the window around 8:30 am, there he/she was. What a thrill! Was not able to capture photos as the groundhog was truly exploring the yard and I was not prepared.

So today I had camera ready and was on the lookout for the groundhog. The photos are not great as these are taken through a window from inside the house and heavily cropped. They are very wary and are constantly scanning their surroundings for danger and the moment I step outside, he disappears!

How exciting to spot him under the feeders for the birds and squirrels. There are several low birdbaths available for water as this photo shows.

Groundhog 06-23-2016_7506335 web (72-3) — Groundhog checking out the birdbath

Spent several moments observing and then I saw him crawl under the front of the storage building, before he emerged towards the rear. Watched as he nibbled on some of the weeds I hadn’t pulled up, so now I am conflicted about cleaning up the backyard! Do I weed or not to weed?? Now that is the question! (A little Shakespearean humor)

Groundhog checking out the area - escape route under the building — Groundhog checking out the area – escape route under the building

Groundhogs are not quick movers, physically built for digging with short, strong front legs with great claws for moving dirt!

Groundhog - Summer 2016 — Groundhog – Summer 2016

Although some folks see groundhogs as a nuisance they are a beneficial part of a healthy ecosystem, mostly taken when they are young by foxes, coyotes, hawks, raccoons and dogs. As adults, woodchucks do not have many predators due to their large size. Their burrowing aides aeration in the soil and provides areas where rainwater will seep into the ground rather than run-off. Farmers view these same burrows as problems as tractor equipment is easily damaged with broken axles and it is well documented of injuries to horses and cattle that step into the holes, which can cause a broken leg and is fatal.

So there is a fine line with getting rid of an entire population and learning to live with a select few.

But in this writer’s opinion, all wildlife serve a purpose and we as humans need to learn to co-exist with them. So enjoy the visits from afar and remember to leave wildlife wild!

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It was going to be a beautiful day!

Decided to take advantage of the beautiful weather and get some weeding done. It had been extremely hot and humid here in the Southeast and I had been procrastinating.

Mornings begin early usually around 4 or 4:30 am as there are feeders to prepare for the wildlife visitors and fresh water in all the bird baths. So there was a spring in my step this morning and a list of things I wished to accomplish. We waited till about 10 am to begin work outside to give the wildlife a chance to eat as most do not hang out when humans are around.

As I surveyed the backyard and all the weeds, it seemed so overwhelming. It was long overdue as I had made the decision not to use chemicals this year since there had been several species of birds with babies and of course the squirrels. Rehabilitating wildlife is very rewarding. This year, several of the female squirrels that had been rehabilitated and released had babies.

Mama Squirrel and her daughter about 6 weeks old

The birds were chirping and I noticed a few squirrels out while I was weeding. Mama Squirrel aka Tammy shown above, Chippy and a few others in the distance. Mama Squirrel (below) is still protective of her territory and wastes no time in reminding the others who is boss. Although I still refer to her as Mama Squirrel, her daughter has been independent and on her own for quite a while now.

Chippy took a little extra time and multiple releases before she finally decided that she could handle the big wide world! Although I am able to toss nuts to most of the squirrels, they are not tame nor able to be handled in any way. They are wild and tolerate sharing the outdoors with us. As wild creatures, they are always on alert and listen intently to the call of others warning of predators such as the numerous hawks that fly overhead.

However Chippy has taken some freedoms while I am outside such as helping herself to the bowl of nuts! So while I am weeding a good ways away, she is busy helping herself to the nuts, choosing which ones she will eat and busy burying the others. Occasionally I notice that she has pulled a mushroom out of the ground or chosen to nibble on some dirt.

Chippy burying a nut and tidying up afterwards.

The heat is exhausting for all of us and I notice that she and the other squirrels will be spread eagle on the cool dirt. (Below is Saban – released November 2014)

Wildlife are creatures of habit and do not like weeds that are thick and tall as they could hide a predator. They also are very aware of changes in their environment as shown below. There was an active mole digging and Chippy was on alert.

Chippy isn't sure what is underground — Chippy isn’t sure what is underground

One of the things I learned today is to always have the camera ready. I missed so many opportunities, catching the squirrel chase, Chippy spread eagle trying to cool off, the baby squirrel that is now a juvenile playing with a sunflower plant, etc. (That was really funny as she was jumping on it and it was bouncing her around and then she would do it again!)

Backyard Visitor

Weeding Helpers!