Groundhog Control and Removal in Oakville & Surrounding Areas

Groundhogs

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 body heat in. Groundhogs weigh between 4 and 14lbs. and live most of their lives underground. Foxes, wildcats, coyotes and hawks are their 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 five months.

Reproduction

Mating season is in spring. The gestation period is between 28 and 32 days. There are four to five babies and they are born blind and naked. Young groundhogs stay with their mother for about six weeks.