The Groundhog (Marmota monax), more commonly called a Woodchuck, is a member of the Sciuridae Family. These large rodents are about 23 inches long and have a stocky body sitting on short, powerful legs. They weigh anywhere from 4 to 14 pounds. They are related to squirrels.
These mammals live underground in burrows. With their powerful legs they can actually dig out a small burrow in one day. They prefer woodland edges and stream gullies and fence rows. The burrows have a main entrance and smaller side entrances. An enlarged chamber underground contains the nest. Groundhogs hibernate all winter, usually beginning at the end of October. They emerge from hibernation when the weather warms up, the timing varies depending upon their location.
Woodchucks are vegetarians. They will eat leaves, flowers, grasses, clover, alfalfa and will go into gardens for items such as peas, corn and beans. They will even climb trees for apples.
Groundhogs breed soon after hibernation and the young are born about 30 days later, usually in March. There are 2 to 9 young born. The babies, called kits, are born blind and hairless. They are about 4 inches long at birth. Their eyes open in about four weeks.
