Meet the Groundhog

The groundhog (Marmota monax), or woodchuck, is a large rodent well known for the strange holiday on February 2. Groundhogs are found in the eastern United States and they are prevalent in our watershed. This animal is a species in the squirrel (Squiridae) family and often lives around wooded areas near open fields. Groundhogs have grayish brown fur and strong legs with large claws made for burrowing. The groundhog utilizes its heavy claws to create systems of burrows where they will sleep, nest, and hibernate in the winter months. (I bet you wondered why you never see them in the winter time!) The herbivorous rodent often sits on its back legs to eat things like grass, leaves, and flowers. The groundhog serves as an important source of food for coyotes, foxes, and weasels, and they also aerate the soil they burrow in, which is good for plant growth. To learn more about the groundhog, visit: https://www.pbs.org/wnet/nature/blog/groundhogs-facts/

This Wildlife Wednesday is provided by Zander Hine, ACWA Student Board member