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