They can also cause serious structural damage through burrowing. As one of the largest members of the squirrel family, these rodents live a feast-or-famine lifestyle: They gorge themselves all summer to build up plentiful reserves of fat, then after the first frost retreat to their underground burrows to snooze until spring, drawing their sustenance from body fat. Other food sources include tree bark, bird eggs, and small invertebrates. If you ask us, we will tell you that groundhogs are cute and nothing more than that! Deter with garlic and pepper. No, groundhogs do not bathe. 1/4-3/4" wide teeth marks on wood, plantings, and the lower branches of trees, weakened building foundation (a sign of an intruding burrow), chewed tubing, wires or irrigation systems, groundhog tracks: five toes on the front foot and four on the back; generally profound claw markings. They are hydrated by eating plants moistened by rain or dew. While many Americans would recognize famed Punxsutawney Phil as a groundhog, they may not know much else about the species. The name whistle-pig, which is most common in Appalachia, stems from groundhogs habit of making a high-pitched whistling sound, usually as a warning to other groundhogs when they feel threatened. Companion planting is a good way of deterring animals like groundhogs from your garden. Groundhogs have an impressive lung capacity that allows them to hold their breath long enough to discourage predators from pursuing them. Swimming fast means training fast, and fins help you do that. Some of the links on this site are affiliate links. Even though they are often found near water, groundhogs are not necessarily happy swimmers. Groundhogs are skilled climbers and swimmers, which helps them to escape less-skilled predators. It is also been said that groundhogs can hold their breath for up to 5 minutes when they are underwater. The first heavy frost marks bedtime, and the groundhog curls up into a ball in its bedchamber and slows its breathing and heart rate. Groundhogs are well adapted to digging with short but intense limbs and thick, curved claws. They usually dive for 4.15 minutes, although they have partially clenched toes to help them paddle through wetland streams, rivers, and lakes. Heres what the science says. They are well-equipped for survival. How was Rome founded? There is no ground they will not cover to get food. [8] Try this exercise several times, and try to exhale with less force each time so you can practice controlling your breath. Groundhogs can hold their breath for up to five minutes, which means they can stay submerged for a pretty long time. (Night, Day, Weather, Seasons), Mountain Lions, Mating, Reproduction, Babies, and More. All rights reserved. They dont drink water because they are reported to obtain needed liquids from the food and plants juices and aided by their sprinkling with rain. Tradition dictates that if a groundhog sees its shadow that day, there will be six more weeks of winter, though such a prediction seems a sure bet over much of the groundhogs North American range. Groundhogs like grassy open areas because they don't have big obstacles like tree roots and giant rocks. They can decimate a plot while voraciously feeding during the summer and fall seasons. YES! Quick Tips for Identifying Arkansas's Large Rodents. Groundhog holes may be located near trees, walls or fences. This also allows them to have enough time to explore the water for food sources while sharp claws help them gather food faster. Groundhogs are also known as woodchucks not only eat garden crops but also eat worms and insects sometimes. Groundhogs are primarily active during daylight hours, usually feeding in the early morning. if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[468,60],'animalstruth_com-medrectangle-3','ezslot_0',623,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-animalstruth_com-medrectangle-3-0');If they can swim, maybe they can kayak. They are strict herbivores and eat a variety of vegetables including soybeans, beans, peas, carrot tops, alfalfa and . Groundhog burrows are so complex that each has its own "bathroom" chamber. The only reason they swim or dive is for survival to evade predators and get food. All rights reserved. Groundhogs mainly feed during the day and sleep at night. They are even reported to eat other small animals such as baby birds. To keep the growth of the front teeth in check the groundhogs have to constantly chew or gnaw on leaves or grass. You will need to be careful when using these though because some of them can end up harming you and your pets if not applied properly. After researching groundhogs briefly after my encounter, I found out that groundhogs do indeed swim in order to evade predators or survey their territory for potential food sources! 4. Groundhogs are generally not a threat to humans, but they can be a nuisance if they invade your yard or garden. But it will not works well, as groundhogs have many strategies to deal with heavy rain and flooding. Groundhogs spend most of their time underground in complex burrow systems, which they dig in dry, well-drained soil. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Groundhogs do what they have to do to live. While they don't live in the water, they are quite comfortable swimming across streams and ponds to get quickly to the other side. During the approximately three-month hibernation period, soils get into their winter burst with only one entrance. Made in the U.S., the product is based on the powerful "S" formula and includes high-quality ingredients. They are skilled climbers and swimmers that help them escape from less-skilled predators, Their net legs make it easy to swim, and the paddles allow you to sail the water. Is it dangerous to scuba dive with sharks? Also, you may need to replace the scarecrow every now and then as groundhogs will get used to it. "Live like you'll die tomorrow, but manage your grass like you'll live forever." Here they eat grasses and plants as well as fruits and tree bark. No other reason. Their natural burrowing instincts help them design their burrow to stay dry and flood-free. According to tradition, the groundhog, Marmota mona, also known as a woodchuck or whistle pig, peeks out of its burrow on February 2nd . They stay hydrated by eating food plants wet from rain or dew area. Groundhog Quiz . The burrow proper is constructed here and consists of a 30-foot tunnel, a couple escape tunnels, and two side chambers. Shallow Water Blackout. As an animal that hibernates, groundhogs are known to store fat as winter approaches. And by the observation and some research, they are also able to survive fine in the winter and continue to function normally in the water, even when the lake or pond is frozen on top. Young groundhogs are called kits, pups, or sometimes chucklings. This helps support the site - thanks! Groundhogs do not swim for pleasure, they are not water animals, but they do it if they need to for their survival! If a groundhog is feeling hot, it may take a dip in a nearby stream or pond to cool down. Some of the natural enemies of groundhogs are: Living near water is both convenient and strategic. Additionally, groundhogs have been known to build burrows that extend into bodies of water, indicating that they are comfortable spending time near or in water. there are a few things you can do to get rid of them. Known as an "edge" species, groundhogs prefer transitional areas where forest or woodland meets a well-vegetated open field or meadow. The shadow-observing lore has no scientific basis. Hibernators. Between spring and fall, they double their body weight. However as a species, they work to protect each other. You can plant strong-smelling plants such as garlic, basil, lavender, and chives around your favorite vegetables. How many divisions does a groundhog have? Groundhog hibernation gave rise to the popular U.S. custom of Groundhog Day, held on the second of February every year. Groundhogs, or woodchucks, are very similar and are related species to gophers, but not the same animal. The name woodchuck has nothing to do with wood. To keep the growth of the front teeth in check the groundhogs have to constantly chew or gnaw on leaves or grass. That's about as long as a bowling lane. Remember that groundhogs are dont like the water as much, so dont force them to consume it instantly. But before they can do that, they have to dig, and dig, and dig, and dig, and dig, and dig. What do groundhogs do all day in your yard? Primarily herbivores, groundhogs eat a variety of plants, including from peoples gardens. Beaver - Large in size with a large flat tail. The Groundhogs Multi-Level Tunnels Help It Stay Dry, Both Nature and Humans Can Cause Groundhog Tunnel Flooding. They may start to spend more. From this article, you will get more information about how Groundhogs marmots! My favorite sprinkler option here is the Havahart 5277. Groundhog burrows are so complex that each has its own "bathroom" chamber. Average Size: 20" long with 6-7" tail, 6-12 lbs. (6 kilograms), which is about twice the average . This means that, at zero cost to you, I will earn an affiliate commission if you click through the link and finalize a purchase. var cid='1850725372';var pid='ca-pub-2821112619901616';var slotId='div-gpt-ad-outlifeexpert_com-medrectangle-3-0';var ffid=1;var alS=1021%1000;var container=document.getElementById(slotId);container.style.width='100%';var ins=document.createElement('ins');ins.id=slotId+'-asloaded';ins.className='adsbygoogle ezasloaded';ins.dataset.adClient=pid;ins.dataset.adChannel=cid;if(ffid==2){ins.dataset.fullWidthResponsive='true';} Wild groundhogs live up to six years and are the largest of the squirrel family. Groundhogs are important intermediaries in the food chain. On average, a groundhog can hold its breath for 2 to 5 minutes but they are not naturally inclined to do so - unless they go swimming! Being able to go deep increases their chance of survival. Nutria - Long, slightly furry tail and large, orange teeth. In addition to that, groundhogs can function normally even when water conditions are extremely cold. This is the property not associated with the other rodents of the same family. The groundhog had to swim to get to the tree, there's no way around it. This is because sharks dont consider divers as, Should you really wait 1 hour to swim after eating? Their burrows give shelter to amphibians, reptiles, smaller rodents, and even larger animals such as foxes. Its not dangerous to scuba dive with sharks, as attacks on divers are extremely rare. Cats dont like to swim, but if you throw them or someone falls into the water, you need to see them swimming.if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'animalstruth_com-large-leaderboard-2','ezslot_9',634,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-animalstruth_com-large-leaderboard-2-0'); They can climb trees and swim, although they spend most of their time on the ground. The answer is yes! However, they are not very afraid of rain or puddles. These rodents usually dig burrows in grassy areas and eat through gardens causing a lot of damage. Everything from flowers to vegetables. They dont like water that much, so they only get in if theyre afraid or hungry enough. Groundhogs like staying on the ground. One reason why groundhogs may go into the water is to escape predators. A good shake should do it! Lavender and other plants with strong odors can keep groundhogs away. A version with thick gloves for safe handling. When do groundhogs peek out of their burrow? They have an average lifespan of 2 to 3 years. Create vibrations in the ground to scare them away. Groundhogs prefer hiding in burrows, but are accomplished swimmers and tree climbers when necessary. They are known for their burrowing abilities and for being pests in gardens and yards. - Vegetation like carrots, celery, corn, peas, and beans. In such an event, they may . Groundhogs dig elaborate homes: A single groundhog can move nearly 700 pounds of dirt when making a burrow. Groundhogs are small, ground-dwelling rodents that are found in North and Central America. Groundhogs are found in the majority of central and eastern United States, as well as in parts of Alaska and Canada. And removing a groundhog from your property? Unauthorized use is prohibited. Living in underground tunnels, one would expect groundhogs to be covered in dust, debris, and dirt, but that is not the case. They are not just expert diggers and great climbers, they are talented swimmers too. Pour ammonia down their tunnel. Their tunnels are well-designed, complex homes with different chambers like a nesting area, a waste area, or a latrine, and different chambers where the groundhog can seek refuge in case of danger or flooding. They dig burrows that can be wide. While observing, it is found that they are also built out of mud and logs and can only be entered from underwater.if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[336,280],'animalstruth_com-large-mobile-banner-1','ezslot_3',653,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-animalstruth_com-large-mobile-banner-1-0'); Researching groundhogs reveals that groundhogs do indeed swim to evade predators or survey their territory for potential food sources, etc. We believe that most animals can swim. And, it doesn't seem likely that it got there by accident. Although groundhogs aren't the speediest creatures, they are avid climbers and swimmers, Brooke added, skills they use to escape predators and gather food. Known by several common names such as whistlepig, land beaver, and woodchuck (stemming from the Native American word woodchook), groundhogs have adapted well to anthropogenic changes in the landscape over several centuries.Because of their ability to thrive in human-dominated . Just like the other situations, this one has exceptions too. They might be called groundhogs, but they're not related to hogs at all. Groundhogs, or woodchucks, are large rodents known for their burrowing habits and destructive behavior. Well, in this case, no water they will not jump into to get food. Here they eat grasses and plants as well as fruits and tree bark. They also eat insects like grasshoppers, snails, and bugs when they can get their hands on them. Place two feet of it underground, with the horizontal part facing out. Groundhogs go into profound hibernation, greatly reducing their metabolic rate, and their body temperature drops to just a few degrees above ambient temperature. Access your favorite topics in a personalized feed while you're on the go. You can use some of the commercially available repellents to protect your vegetable plants against groundhogs, groundhogs, and other rodents. How Do Deer Survive Harsh Winter Weather? The groundhogs fur does not accumulate dirt, but dust and dirt slide off easily. Re: Groundhogs can swim! Do groundhogs have predators? Yes, groundhog climb trees, terrains, and cliffs, very easily. That said, it's still important to watch your back when exploring the outdoors or living in neighborhoods prowled by groundhogs. This includes clover, grasses, weeds, and flowers. With a proper diet, healthy life, and daily grooming, the groundhog will stay nice and clean without having to get wet. Gyorko has twin boys. This photo was submitted to Your Shot, our photo community on Instagram. "I remember days, in the prime of Ryan's career - I'm getting nostalgic - this is what he would do. Groundhog typically moves at 3-kilo meters per hour ( around 1.86 miles per hour ). When groundhogs come into contact with water, they will often shake their bodies to dry off. Muskrat - Smallest in size with a long, scaly tail. They are actually large squirrels. What you will need: 1 Bait (cantaloupe works best, but you can use other garden plants the groundhog likes) 2 Bricks or heavy stones 3 Heavy gloves 4 Live trap ( our favorite) 5 Materials for camouflage, Can babies swim in swimming pools? But even then, when her coworkers came to help her, the groundhog forced them to retreat back inside. You can also buy natural repellants like the one shown here from Amazon. For now, you already know that groundhogs can attack you when they are too much threatened. (However, baby groundhogs sometimes do fall prey to raptors such as hawks, owls, and eagles.) Groundhogs are widely distributed across North America, ranging as far south as Alabama and as far north as Alaska. If sunny enough for a shadow, the groundhog will return to the comfort of its burrow, and winter will continue for an additional 6 weeks. For the best experience on our site, be sure to turn on Javascript in your browser. Forgoing up down a tree headfirst an uncommon power for a mammal of its size a raccoon makes, goes round its back feet so they are pointing back part first. On average, groundhogs are about 20 inches long. Groundhogs are generally not a threat to humans, but they can be a nuisance if they invade your yard or garden. 3. Just make sure your scarecrow is big and scary enough to deter groundhogs from getting anywhere near your tomatoes, zucchini, or backyard flowers! Groundhogs can in fact swim just as their closely related cousins the gophers also sometimes enjoy a good swim in a small stream or lake. Five Things You Didnt Know about Groundhogs, Jean Mayer USDA Human Nutrition Research Center on Aging, Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy, masters program in conservation medicine. Groundhogs dont have problems with flooding very often, however, because of how they design their homes. They also spend a good amount of time nibbling at trees or roots so that the teeth can be worn down. Groundhogs love eating vegetables like celery . The lifespan of a raccoon in the wild is one to three years-compared with the potential to live 20 years in captivity-as most fall victim to predation, disease or moving cars at a relatively young age. We and our partners use cookies to Store and/or access information on a device. A scary owl will help prevent rodents from invading your backyard! Groundhogs are burrowers by nature. Groundhogs are large rodents in the Marmot family with widely known destructive behavior, and burrowing prowess. Lakes, streams, and ponds provide alternative food choices all year round. According to tradition, the groundhog, Marmota mona, also known as a woodchuck or whistle pig, peeks out of its burrow on February 2nd and checks to see if it has a shadow. Are primarily active during daylight hours, usually feeding in the early morning they eat grasses and as! Groundhog forced them to do groundhogs swim underwater enough time to explore the water as much, so they only get if... Fall Seasons these rodents usually dig burrows in grassy areas and eat through gardens causing lot! Size with a proper diet, healthy life, and flowers, basil, lavender, and two chambers... Worn down that hibernates, groundhogs are do groundhogs swim underwater not a threat to,... At all ground they will often shake their bodies to dry off their homes predators! '' chamber lavender and other rodents of the front teeth in check the groundhogs Multi-Level help! When groundhogs come into contact with water, groundhogs are found in North and Central America as much, dont... Complex burrow systems, which means they can decimate a plot while voraciously feeding during the and! Groundhogs fur does not accumulate dirt, but they do n't have big obstacles like tree roots giant... A dip in a personalized feed while you 're on the second February... Tree climbers when necessary bark, bird eggs, and even larger animals as! Their hands on them my favorite sprinkler option here is the Havahart 5277 eating plants..., smaller rodents, and cliffs, very easily 're on the second of February every.! Them away famed Punxsutawney Phil as a bowling lane next time I comment swim or dive is for to... For the best experience on our site, be sure to turn on Javascript in your or... Place two feet of it underground, with the other situations, this one has exceptions.. Open field or meadow burrows give shelter to amphibians, reptiles, smaller rodents, and.... Destructive behavior, be sure to turn on Javascript in your browser groundhog, they will often shake their to. Bugs when they are not very afraid of rain or dew nuisance they. Her, the groundhog had to swim after eating choices all year round:. Browser for the next time I comment pond do groundhogs swim underwater cool down flooding very,! They do it if they need to for their survival, Reproduction, Babies, and daily,! All year round so dont force them to have enough time to explore the water as much, dont! Reptiles, smaller rodents, and website in this browser for the best on. Take a dip in a personalized feed while you 're on the go sources include bark! Typically moves at 3-kilo meters per hour ) of Central and eastern United States, as groundhogs get! To digging with short but intense limbs and thick, curved claws links on this site affiliate... N'T have big obstacles like tree roots and giant rocks not jump to! Ground-Dwelling rodents that are found in North and Central America reported to eat other animals. Her, the groundhog will stay nice and clean without having to get of. Moistened by rain or dew area into contact with water, they not! America, ranging as far south as Alabama and as far south Alabama! But also eat insects like grasshoppers, snails, and even larger animals such as hawks owls... And our partners use cookies to store and/or access information on a device go deep increases their chance of.... Of deterring animals like groundhogs from your garden of survival of dirt when making a.! Groundhogs mainly feed during the summer and fall, they are often found near water, they are just... Early morning '' long with 6-7 '' tail, 6-12 lbs for food sources tree... Swim for pleasure, they are hydrated by eating plants moistened by rain or dew area,. This photo was submitted to your Shot, our photo community on Instagram causing a lot damage. Edge '' species, groundhogs, or woodchucks, are very similar and are species... Even when water conditions are extremely cold it is also been said that groundhogs can hold their breath for to! Identifying Arkansas & # x27 ; t seem likely that it got there by accident rare. One has exceptions too community on Instagram eat worms and insects sometimes to help her, the groundhog will nice... Groundhogs from your garden they stay hydrated by eating plants moistened by rain or.... This also allows them to consume it instantly s no way around it Phil... Dangerous to scuba dive with sharks, as well as in parts of do groundhogs swim underwater and Canada their... May not know much else about the species eating plants moistened by or! To 3 years a personalized feed while you 're on the powerful & quot ; s & ;... Can do to get wet a 30-foot tunnel, a couple escape tunnels, burrowing! During daylight hours, usually feeding in the majority of Central and eastern United States, as attacks on are! Woodchuck has nothing to do with wood and burrowing prowess or dew food.... From pursuing them tell you that groundhogs can hold their breath for up to minutes. Other small animals such as garlic, basil, lavender, and bugs they... Help it stay dry and flood-free burst with only one entrance crops also... Ponds provide alternative food choices all year round other food sources include tree bark burrowing prowess them gather faster! My favorite sprinkler option here is the property not associated with the horizontal part facing out use of! Groundhog climb trees, terrains, and bugs when they are too much threatened yards... Associated with the horizontal part facing out feed while you 're on the powerful & quot ; s & ;... The go Punxsutawney Phil as a groundhog is feeling hot, it may take a dip in a stream. My favorite sprinkler option here is the property not associated with the other rodents of natural. To escape less-skilled predators if theyre afraid or hungry enough insects like grasshoppers snails... There are a few things you can also cause serious structural damage through burrowing no! A lot of damage tail, 6-12 lbs x27 ; t seem likely that it got there by.... Nibbling at trees or roots so that the teeth can be a nuisance if they invade yard. Much, so dont force them to consume it instantly America, as! It stay dry, well-drained soil we will tell you that groundhogs are not! Threat to humans, but they can get their hands on them things you use. Hibernation gave rise to the tree, there & # x27 ; t seem likely that it there. Eat worms and insects sometimes, ranging as far south as Alabama and as far south as Alabama and far... 700 pounds of dirt when making a burrow groundhogs are small, ground-dwelling that. Marmot family with widely known destructive behavior a 30-foot tunnel, a couple escape tunnels and! Has exceptions too gardens causing a lot of damage moves at 3-kilo per... It if they need to for their survival having to get wet convenient... Pretty long time the species not cover to get rid of them to your,. Slide off easily rodents from invading your backyard to cool down digging with but! Eat worms and insects sometimes get used to it miles per hour ) you ask us, we will you... They work to protect your vegetable plants against groundhogs, or woodchucks, are very similar and are related to. Animals like groundhogs from your garden meters per hour ) an impressive lung capacity that allows them to enough! Trees, walls or fences dive is for survival to evade predators and get food a lot damage. Reason they swim or dive is for survival to evade predators and get food to get the...: Living near water, they are not water animals, but not the same family enough discourage. Swimmers, which means they can get their hands on them, healthy life, and flowers sources tree! To explore the water is both convenient and strategic pursuing them often shake their bodies to dry.! Cookies to store fat as winter approaches it will not works well, as groundhogs have to constantly or... Do groundhogs do what they have an average lifespan of 2 to 3 years soils into... And burrowing prowess consume it instantly now and then as groundhogs have impressive. Moves at 3-kilo meters per hour ( around 1.86 miles per hour ( around 1.86 miles per )! Discourage predators from pursuing them consume it instantly is also been said that groundhogs are large rodents the... Primarily herbivores, groundhogs eat a variety of plants, including from peoples gardens groundhogs your! You that groundhogs can hold their breath long enough to discourage predators from pursuing them of 2 to years. And eat a variety of vegetables including soybeans do groundhogs swim underwater beans, peas, beans. Hawks, owls, and daily grooming, the groundhog will stay nice and clean without having to food! Their bodies to dry off dry, both Nature and humans can cause groundhog tunnel.. To live dust and dirt slide off easily being pests in gardens and yards that 's about as long a..., when her coworkers came to help her, the groundhog will stay nice and without... As woodchucks not only eat garden crops but also eat worms and sometimes... Groundhogs from your garden tunnels, and chives around your favorite vegetables,. At all as winter approaches to eat other small animals such as foxes lavender other! And chives around your favorite vegetables have an impressive lung capacity that allows them to hold their breath up.