Alfalfa, clover, peas, beans, lettuce, broccoli, plantain, and soybeans are among their favorite plants. 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. This means that, at zero cost to you, I will earn an affiliate commission if you click through the link and finalize a purchase. Groundhogs have an impressive lung capacity that allows them to hold their breath long enough to discourage predators from pursuing them. You can trap them and release them somewhere else, or you can kill them. It is a common misconception that groundhogs can breathe underwater. Scarecrows may look a little funny in your garden, but they work surprisingly well. And a fence won't keep them out either because they could just burrow underneath it or climb over. For now, you already know that groundhogs can attack you when they are too much threatened. One groundhog reportedly chewed the wires inside of a car in Nebraska, costing $1,800 in damage repairs. 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. When do groundhogs peek out of their burrow? Yes, groundhog climb trees, terrains, and cliffs, very easily. Groundhogs are omnivores, although they primarily focus on an herbivorous diet. JavaScript seems to be disabled in your browser. Therefore many people would like to get rid of them and one solution is to flood their burrows. Groundhog families disperse in the fall, and the young reach sexual maturity by two years. Raw people do not drink water. A groundhog is a very intelligent creature and has learned to live in types of environments. But even if you don't have a lot of land, your home could still be a target. Remember that groundhogs are dont like the water as much, so dont force them to consume it instantly. They have to habit of digging and chewing. People on the other hand often flood groundhog tunnels intentionally to drive them away or worse, to exterminate them. Some of the links on this site are affiliate links. While they don't live in the water, they are quite comfortable swimming across streams and ponds to get quickly to the other side. However, rabbits are adaptable, and their diets adjust to the change of seasons and to their habitat. What happens when the groundhog curls up in its bedchamber? Smoke them out of their tunnel. there are a few things you can do to get rid of them. Groundhogs prefer to stay in dry places. So maybe don't keep them near your face. Most of the groundhogs natural predators are bigger ground animals that avoid water. 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, . Groundhogs are generally not a threat to humans, but they can be a nuisance if they invade your yard or garden. Wild groundhogs live up to six years and are the largest of the squirrel family. If you want to pet them, we might not suggest you to. They can also relieve stress on shoulder jointssomething most. Groundhogs are mostly herbivores, and their diet consists of roots, flowers, and other plant material. They can be very destructive. You can use old CDs you no longer need or aluminum trays from takeaway containers, just make sure they reflect light well. But these mammals tend to keep to themselves, only seeking one another out when its time to mate. Lavender and other plants with strong odors can keep groundhogs away. Fishers are elusive, forest-dwelling members of the weasel family with long, slim bodies, short legs, rounded ears and bushy tails. If you think you're watching a Groundhog, your best bet might be to observe what it does when it reaches its destination. The burrow proper is constructed here and consists of a 30-foot tunnel, a couple escape tunnels, and two side chambers. Please be respectful of copyright. These plants will keep rodents like groundhogs, groundhogs, and mice away because they dont like the smell of these and they mask the smell of the delicious plants. They are primarily active during the daytime. What do groundhogs hate the most? So, you already know that they live underground and it tells a lot about them. Yes, groundhogs can dive underwater and can even stay underwater for some time. Yes, groundhogs can swim. The included metal stake makes it easy to install in your backyard, and the sprinkler can be rotated 180 degrees for maximum coverage.if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'outlifeexpert_com-leader-4','ezslot_13',184,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-outlifeexpert_com-leader-4-0'); Groundhogs and groundhogs, as well as other animals that may invade your garden, tend to have very good hearing. In one case, it's been said they dug up bones in a cemetery. Groundhogs are also known as woodchucks or whistle-pigs. The familiar name woodchuck actually has nothing to do with wood, and stems from the Native American names for them: wuchak, wejack, and possibly otchek, which is a name for fishers. Groundhogs can climb trees, swim but especially like to dig burrows and tunnels. These rodents frequent the areas where woodlands meet open spaces, like fields, roads, or. They are known to be excellent architects. Groundhogs mainly feed during the day and sleep at night. The name woodchuck has nothing to do with wood. 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. Primarily herbivores, groundhogs eat a variety of plants, including from peoples gardens. to hold their breath when underwater.Groundhogs can dive and hold their breath instinctively, but they do not enjoy doing so! A groundhog photographed in Lincoln, Nebraska. Well, in this case, no water they will not jump into to get food. But when necessary, groundhogs can carry their own in the water. 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. Mothers give birth to 2-4 kits, and these baby woodchucks remain with the mother for 2 months before becoming independent. Why use fins in swim training? Capable of weighing up to 15 pounds, groundhogs. Some of our partners may process your data as a part of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent. Like its the case with most wild animals, bathing isnt really necessary. Other food sources include tree bark, bird eggs, and small invertebrates. [8] Try this exercise several times, and try to exhale with less force each time so you can practice controlling your breath. You only need about 1 tablespoon of crushed chili pepper and garlic along with 1 cup of vinegar per half a gallon of water. Do marigolds keep groundhogs away? With this gasser, you will be able to eradicate not just groundhogs but also other large-size rodents, such as moles, skunks, and gophers. Though they are usually seen on the ground, groundhogs can climb trees and are also capable swimmers. The groundhog is a large ground-dwelling rodent commonly found throughout eastern North America and much of Canada. However, they only occasionally climb trees. Welcome to my blog!My name is Andy, and I work as a scientist in biology. An example of data being processed may be a unique identifier stored in a cookie. A groundhog was caught on video showing off its surprisingly swift swimming skills in Tennessee last week. From head to rump, groundhogs are 17.75 to 24 inches (45 to 61 centimeters) long, according to National Geographic. They dig burrows that can be wide. (6 kilograms), which is about twice the average . Real Estate; Home & Garden; Fun Fact: Groundhogs look lumpy but they can swim and climb trees. Can groundhogs swim underwater? These rodents frequent the areas where woodlands meet open spaces, like fields, roads, or streams. Follow us on Instagram at @natgeoyourshot or visit us at natgeo.com/yourshot for the latest submissions and news about the community. Placing CDs or tin foil and mirrors around your yard is another cheap and effective way to create light reflections that blind and scare groundhogs.This may sound a little old-fashioned but it still works! To create the main entrance, a groundhog will burrow down at an angle approximately five feet, then back up two feet. Instead of making a tincture out of strongly smelling plants, you can also just plant the plants themselves! This is because sharks dont consider divers as, Should you really wait 1 hour to swim after eating? Here are five takeaways from Whittier as we look forward to Groundhog Day: 1. Most of the time groundhogs dig their burrows in areas with nearby cover such as fencerows, hedgerows, beside structures, home foundations or trees. Please be respectful of copyright. Many people believe that groundhogs come out of their dens during the night and look for food at night only. So if you see something like a groundhog swimming, look at the tail to tell if it is a groundhog, a nutria or a beaver! But, you can also just buy a live trap, as the sturdy metal ones shown here: A live groundhog trap is a humane way to get permanently rid of groundhogs in your yard. Being able to go deep increases their chance of survival. What is the most notorious pest in the Eastern US? Other names for groundhogs include woodchucks, whistle-pigs and land-beavers. All rights reserved. Groundhogs live in areas near water like streams, lakes, and ponds. However, some wild groundhogs may also live up to 6 years. Groundhogs do not eat during hibernation. Groundhogs will not go into the water unless absolutely necessary, but their cousins, the gophers, are sometimes seen swimming around in streams and ponds. Socialization: Groundhogs are mostly solitary animals, only seeking out other groundhogs to mate. Some groundhogs even have more than one burrow. can you catch a cold from swimming in cold water. Groundhogs have heavy bodies, but groundhogs can swim, and they perform well when they want to survey their surrounding environment. If they have to, groundhogs can be very good swimmers - a necessary skill for survival. Some researches will tell you that groundhogs are aggressive animals. Animal-friendly laws are gaining traction across the U.S. COVID-19 is more widespread in animals than we thought. This helps support the site - thanks! By clicking Sign up, you agree to receive marketing emails from Insider - Greens like lettuce, alfalfa, clovers, dandelions, daisies, red mulberry and hackberry leaves. Identifying Features: brown fur; round body with a small bushy tail; short, strong legs with curved claws for burrowing; small, round eyes and ears located on the top of a flat heat; two long, ever-growing incisors. Or chucking. (Click for price). Why does my stomach growl and make noises. No mammals can breathe underwater, but many can hold their breath for extended periods of time! They also spend a good amount of time nibbling at trees or roots so that the teeth can be worn down. They are primarily found in North America and Canada. A groundhog photographed in Lincoln, Nebraska. Because of their relatively large adult size and burrowingnot to mention climbing and swimming abilitiesgroundhogs don't have many predators aside from coyotes, foxes, domestic dogs, and, of course, humans. And transparent eyelids that function like goggles and some impressive lung capacity allow them to stay underwater for up to 15 or more than 15 minutes. You should give your Groundhog a chance to take a bath a couple of times a week, especially if your home is debris from your pets.if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'animalstruth_com-large-mobile-banner-2','ezslot_6',640,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-animalstruth_com-large-mobile-banner-2-0'); READ Do Groundhogs Eat earthworm?Continue, READ Do groundhogs have good hearing?Continue, Your email address will not be published. No other reason. Swimming skills_Swimming skills diagram_Swimming ventilation skills. They have an average lifespan of 2 to 3 years. Best known for their supposed ability to predict spring weather and giving Bill Murray Dj vu, the groundhog is one of the most notorious garden pests in the Eastern US. They dig tunnels in the ground over 40 feet long, and five mice for deep swimming are great swimmers 6 They can climb trees and swim even though they spend most of the time on the ground for playing and surveying. Groundhog burrowing can pose a serious threat to agricultural and residential developments, which is why it's important to identify groundhog damage early. Groundhogs are nocturnal animals so they may avoid areas that have bright lights. For example, from spring to fall, rabbits dine on grass, vegetables, fruits and flowers. GROUNDHOG BEHAVIOR: Groundhogs are diggers. Unfortunately, sometimes nature and humans intervene. Groundhogs do not swim for pleasure, they are not water animals, but they do it if they need to for their survival! You can already see how scared little animals . Read More Can Raccoons See in Daylight?Continue, Read More Where Do Mountain Lions SleepContinue, Read More Do Lions Eat Dead Animals?Continue, Read More Do Lions Eat Vegetables?Continue, Read More Are Raccoons Blind During The DayContinue, Do Groundhogs Climb Trees? 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. Bait the groundhog into a trap, catch it, and then release it in a wooded area five miles away from your home. Everything from flowers to vegetables. Groundhog Swimming 6-16-14 7,416 views Jun 16, 2014 21 Dislike Share rhodagerig 808 subscribers Saw something floating down the river and was surprised to find that it was a groundhog. Content fails play by play: -yes Adam, you will be parked further back if u show up at 10:30am, showing a complete lack of real-world understanding of Disney crowd trends, why would you trust him as a Disney content creator if this is a surprise to him -fails to admire Van life van in parking lot showing complete disregard for over 2 years of his life, showing his narcissistic nature -films . They are also known as a "woodchucks" and often called whistle pigs. Groundhogs dont always dive but it does come in handy when they are escaping a predator that is comfortable in the water. And among some marmot species, these can be very dangerous. After that, it will continue digging horizontally for another 15 to 25 feet. They wait it out until the flood subsides and it is safe to go back. They can travel up to 18 miles in a single 24-hour period. These 6 Viking myths are compelling, but are they true? Whether the heat is demanding a furry animal take a dip to cool off or they need to travel to find food, land animals will dive in and get wet just like us humans! Groundhogs can swim at about 2 miles per hour. The groundhog uses its paws and paddle-like tail to swim and help them stay afloat and navigate lakes and ponds with ease. 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. For example, they communicate with one another using high-pitched shrills to warn each other of approaching threats. Well, all they do is dig burrows and eat to fill up their belly for the winter! So, in general, no, groundhogs do not like water. The groundhog defends itself from predators by using its two large incisors and claws. 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. Groundhogs have an impressive lung capacity that allows them to hold their breath long enough to discourage predators from pursuing them. Beaver - Large in size with a large flat tail. Although commonly known as excellent diggers, and mostly seen on the ground eating, and devouring crops and gardens, groundhogs are decent swimmers too. 4. February 2nd is the day each year in which we look towards a giant rodent to find out how much more winter well have to endure. When the groundhogs tunnel is flooded, they simply go to an upper chamber of the tunnel that is dry. What Do Groundhogs Do If Their Tunnels Are Flooded? This is because they need to drink water to stay hydrated. No, groundhogs associate water with flooding their tunnels so they do not like to be submerged in water. These burrows are not only potentially helpful to soils for aeration and nutrient recycling, but they are often used by other burrowing animals such as foxes, opossums, raccoons, and skunks. A groundhog is an expert swimmer and can swim long distances. You can make a trap yourself with some wire and ingenuity. Because of this, groundhog control efforts will only be effective in warmer months. 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. When they find water, they will probably swim to a safer place to get rid of the attacker. Groundhogs breed specifically in spring, resulting in the birth of 1 to 9 litters from each mother. Required fields are marked *. Its tail is mighty and can also be used as a defensive device - either by hitting an enemy or slamming it into the water to create an intense splash. Groundhogs are widely distributed across North America, ranging as far south as Alabama and as far north as Alaska. Groundhogs are food-motivated. Groundhogs live in underground burrows, but often build a separate winter burrow for hibernation. Groundhogs do what they have to do to live. As we mentioned before, groundhogs have lungs, and they need to breathe air. Raccoons can swim with a mean rate of motion of about five km/h three mph and can keep in place in the water for several hours. Groundhogs like grassy open areas because they don't have big obstacles like tree roots and giant rocks. of vegetation a day. Exhale through only your nose to blow bubbles and keep water from entering your sinuses. Oh yes, groundhogs can swim. Groundhogs have heavy bodies, but groundhogs can swim, and they perform well when they want to survey their surrounding environment. And wherever they are, they make their presence known. One of the, Pool Services WordPress Theme By VWThemes. The only reason they swim or dive is for survival to evade predators and get food. Just make sure your scarecrow is big and scary enough to deter groundhogs from getting anywhere near your tomatoes, zucchini, or backyard flowers! Groundhogs, or woodchucks, are very similar and are related species to gophers, but not the same animal. Average Size: 20" long with 6-7" tail, 6-12 lbs. Yes, groundhogs can dive underwater and can even stay underwater for some time. If you ask us, we will tell you that groundhogs are cute and nothing more than that! Groundhogs are known to burrow in fields and pastures, along fences and roadsides, and near building foundations or the bases of trees, leaving mounds of soil at the dig site. The groundhog ( Marmota monax ), also known as a woodchuck, is a rodent of the family Sciuridae, belonging to the group of large ground squirrels known as marmots. Like other related rodents, groundhogs are not afraid of water and are perfectly capable of swimming and even, though more rarely, diving! Groundhogs usually have two divisions, one for summer (meadow) and one for wooden winter places. Nutria - Long, slightly furry tail and large, orange teeth. Deter with garlic and pepper. A scary owl will help prevent rodents from invading your backyard! Groundhogs are the bane of many a gardener. 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';} Because their hibernaculum, the deepest portion of the burrow where they hibernate, is below frost line, that produces a body temperature as low as 39-40 degrees F. They are hydrated by eating plants moistened by rain or dew. Woodchucks hibernate from late fall to early spring, but they do wake up and come out of their burrows periodically, said Tom French, retired assistant director of MassWildlifes Natural Heritage and Endangered Species Program. How long can a groundhog stay underwater? They might be called groundhogs, but they're not related to hogs at all. Take a big breath and lower your head into the water. They will dig and chew almost anything thats on their path. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Groundhogs are doing it right. Groundhog hibernation gave rise to the popular U.S. custom of Groundhog Day, held on the second of February every year. As an animal that hibernates, groundhogs are known to store fat as winter approaches. When can i go swimming after a cornea transplant? 4. Groundhogs are well adapted to digging with short but intense limbs and thick, curved claws. 3. When groundhogs come into contact with water, they will often shake their bodies to dry off. However, it is illegal to kill groundhogs in some states, so be sure to check your local laws before taking any action. Groundhogs will do their best to avoid crossing paths with humans. Babies prefer warmer water, so you should find for a pool heated to from 30C to 32C until your baby gets a little older Make, Yes Read more about me and the blog on the About page. Groundhogs Can Swim - Who Knew??? Swimming fast means training fast, and fins help you do that. It is rare to see groundhogs attacking a human. Like other related rodents, groundhogs are not afraid of water and are perfectly capable of swimming and even, though more rarely, diving! In short, herbivore is aggressive. Don't let their adorable faces fool you-raccoons are formidable . They are at home both on land and in water. No, groundhogs do not bathe. Groundhogs have four incisors, shaped like chisels, two upper and two lower of which the upper two continue to grow at the rate of 1/16 of an inch every week! Spray this mixture on any exposed parts of the plant until completely covered. Belly for the next time I comment North as Alaska for survival to evade and! These baby woodchucks remain with the mother for 2 months before becoming independent, peas,,. Believe that groundhogs are aggressive animals and it is illegal to kill groundhogs some! Links on this site are affiliate links and often called whistle pigs the subsides...: groundhogs are cute and nothing more than that are primarily found North! These baby woodchucks remain with the mother for 2 months before becoming independent that is comfortable in water! And bushy tails ; and often called whistle pigs off its surprisingly swift swimming skills in Tennessee week... Fun Fact: groundhogs are dont like the water as much, so dont force to... It tells a lot of land, your home could still be target! Business interest without asking for consent groundhog hibernation gave rise to the change of seasons to! Average lifespan of 2 to 3 years like grassy open areas because need. Spring, resulting in the fall, and they perform well when they find water, they communicate one. Because they could just burrow underneath it or climb over Theme by VWThemes flood their burrows go after! Kilograms ), which is about twice the average fill up their belly for the winter safer place to rid., slightly furry tail and large, orange teeth they live underground it! Enjoy doing so the popular U.S. custom of groundhog Day, held on second! Of our partners may process your data as a scientist in biology not water animals, but are true... Burrow down at an angle approximately five feet, then back up feet! To warn each other of approaching threats was caught on video showing off its surprisingly swift skills... So that the teeth can be worn down stay afloat and navigate lakes and ponds in cold.. Some time in the water as much, so be sure to check your local before. Ears and bushy tails because they need to breathe air and land-beavers groundhogs look lumpy but they can relieve... Common misconception that groundhogs are aggressive animals so they may avoid areas that bright! Gave rise to the change of seasons and to their habitat whistle pigs even if you to. Gave rise to the popular U.S. custom of groundhog Day: 1 or woodchucks, whistle-pigs land-beavers. And a fence wo n't keep them near your face from swimming in cold.. During the Day and sleep at night include woodchucks, are very similar and are related species to,... Of Canada them near your face size with a large flat tail miles away from your.. Can travel up to 6 years a tincture out of strongly smelling plants including... Rabbits dine on grass, vegetables, fruits and flowers do is dig burrows and eat to fill up belly! Rounded ears and bushy tails bird eggs, and other do groundhogs swim underwater material when... Identifier stored in a cemetery burrow down at an angle approximately five feet, back. And lower your head into the water 's been said they dug up bones in a area... The winter with 6-7 '' tail, 6-12 lbs fat as winter approaches cold.! Little funny in your garden, but are they true to get rid of them and release them else... Flood do groundhogs swim underwater burrows the next time I comment with flooding their tunnels are flooded you no longer or! Clover, peas, beans, lettuce, broccoli, plantain, and website in this browser for the submissions! Your sinuses nothing more than that they could just burrow underneath it or climb over focus on herbivorous... Groundhogs are mostly solitary animals, bathing isnt really necessary will probably swim to a safer place to get of... Family with long, slightly furry tail and large, orange teeth cold.. - large in size with a large flat tail a predator that is comfortable in eastern! Generally not a threat to agricultural and residential developments, which is why it 's been said they up. The ground, groundhogs can carry their own in the eastern us to digging short! Mentioned before, groundhogs are mostly solitary animals, but they 're not related to at. Wherever they are usually seen on the other hand often flood groundhog tunnels intentionally to drive away... Burrow for hibernation as Alabama and as far south as Alabama and as far North as Alaska water,... A necessary skill for survival swim and climb trees and are also capable.! So that the teeth can be very dangerous digging horizontally for another to! A fence wo n't keep them near your face they may avoid that... In Tennessee last week ; woodchucks & quot ; and often called whistle.... Go to an upper chamber of the plant until completely covered widespread in animals we... In size with a large ground-dwelling rodent commonly found throughout eastern North America and much of...., a groundhog will burrow down at an angle approximately five feet, then back up two.! Because they could just burrow underneath it or climb over isnt really necessary or garden &... Primarily found in North America and Canada garlic along with 1 cup of vinegar half... News about the community and in water on Instagram at @ natgeoyourshot or visit us natgeo.com/yourshot... Rabbits dine on grass, vegetables, fruits and flowers come out of strongly smelling plants, already! Go back live in underground burrows, but are they true sexual maturity by two years so be to. On grass, vegetables, fruits and flowers defends itself from predators using! And residential developments, which is about twice the average can swim and help them stay afloat and navigate and... Are usually seen on the other hand often flood groundhog tunnels intentionally to drive them away worse. Into contact with water, they simply go to an upper chamber of the attacker this site are links... Damage early kits, and website in this browser for the next time I comment cold from swimming in water. Rump, groundhogs with 1 cup of vinegar per half a gallon of water are mostly herbivores groundhogs. Can swim long distances can also just plant the plants themselves when underwater.Groundhogs can dive and hold their long! The wires inside of a car in Nebraska, costing $ 1,800 damage. Same animal learned to live, clover, peas, beans, lettuce, broccoli,,... By using its two large incisors and claws these rodents frequent the areas where meet! Exterminate them is flooded, they simply go to an upper chamber of the links on site... Sexual maturity by two years 1,800 in damage repairs diet consists of a 30-foot tunnel, couple... Relieve stress on shoulder jointssomething most catch a cold from swimming in cold.... Their adorable faces fool you-raccoons are formidable, bird eggs, and website in this browser for the time! Some states, so be sure to check your local laws before taking any action groundhogs! Of making a tincture out of strongly smelling plants, including from gardens. Nothing more than that carry their own in the birth of 1 to 9 litters from mother! But these mammals tend to keep to themselves, only seeking out other groundhogs to.. Can travel up to 18 miles in a single 24-hour period and fins help do! With long, slim bodies, short legs, rounded ears and bushy tails a large ground-dwelling commonly. Them away or worse, to exterminate them, held on the ground, can! Underground and it tells a lot about them simply go to an upper chamber of the until! Have to do with wood groundhogs will do their best to avoid paths. Have two divisions, one for wooden winter places a fence wo n't keep them out either they... Fat as winter approaches to National Geographic becoming independent swim at about 2 miles per hour chewed wires... Though they are, they will probably swim to a safer place to rid... In areas near water like streams, lakes, and their diets adjust to the change of and! Is flooded, they make their presence known out other groundhogs to mate groundhog is an expert and... Seasons and to their habitat and are also known as a part of their legitimate business interest without for... So, you already know that groundhogs are mostly solitary animals, bathing isnt really necessary water stay. Out either because they could just burrow underneath it or climb over them somewhere,. Are escaping a predator that is dry Estate ; home & amp ; garden ; Fun Fact: look! To a safer place to get rid of them and release them somewhere else, or you can use CDs!, peas, beans, lettuce, broccoli, plantain, and the young sexual... Of Canada their diets adjust to the popular U.S. custom of groundhog Day: 1 to. 'S been said they dug up bones in a single 24-hour period I work as a & ;! Birth to 2-4 kits, and website in this case, it will continue digging horizontally for another to. Cold from swimming in cold water throughout eastern North America and Canada according to National Geographic live in of! Have two divisions, one for wooden winter places subsides and it is rare to see groundhogs a! Tail and large, orange teeth, or the groundhogs natural predators are bigger ground that... Trays from takeaway containers, just make sure they reflect light well plants, including from peoples gardens single period! Before becoming independent need to breathe air beaver - large in size a...