Groundhogs
Info
The groundhog is the largest member of the squirrel family. A groundhog is also called woodchuck or whistle pig. It has short legs, strong claws, and a stubby tail. Groundhogs are covered with two coats of fur. The outside fur keeps water out and the inside fur keeps in body heat. Groundhogs weigh between 4 and 14 pounds, and live most of their lives underground. The fox, wildcats, coyotes and hawks are their main natural enemies. Groundhogs are the only animals that have their own National holiday: Groundhog Day.
Groundhogs are solitary and herbivorous animals. They eat grass, roots, seeds, plants, and sometimes insects. Groundhogs live in burrows underground and are hibernating mammals. Their burrows can have more than one entrance. Groundhogs are at their maximum weight before entering hibernation. Hibernation lasts about 5 months.
Mating season is in spring. The gestation period is between 28 and 32 days. There are 4 to 5 babies and they are born blind and naked. Young groundhogs stay with their mother for about 6 weeks
