Creature Feature: Shadowing the Groundhog

Every year on the second day of the month of February, countless eyes and ears turn towards a rodent that predicts what the next six weeks will look like seasonally. Since the start of its official observation and practice during the late 1800s, this fun little Germanic-based tradition continues to bring communities together to celebrate one particular animal.

The animal in the spotlight is called a woodchuck, also commonly known as the groundhog. These large rodents are related to squirrels and chipmunks, and are one of few mammals that undergoes a true state of hibernation. By “true”, we mean to say that as it remains in its burrow throughout winter, its body temperature will drop below 40 degrees Fahrenheit and have a heart rate of around five beats per minute (bears can’t do that!).

“How much wood would a woodchuck chuck if a woodchuck…was up a tree?” -  JNC Naturalist Garrett

Contrary to the name, a woodchuck does not literally chuck wood, although it can climb trees to avoid predators. So why is it called a “woodchuck” anyway? The prevailing theory is that it is derived from an Algonquin language that referred to the animal as “wuchak”. The name then transformed over time as more settlers from overseas began to colonize North America.

“Follow the concrete road Toto!”- JNC Naturalist Zach

Due to its wide geographic range, it should not be too much of a challenge to locate a groundhog or find signs of one, such as its burrows. Groundhogs like to dwell near fields and the edges of tree lines and woodlands. They are generally diurnal, which means that they are most active around sunrise and sunset. While some may perceive this creature as a crop-consuming problem, the groundhog continues to connect us to nature in some way, shape, or form. Be on the lookout for these critters when they emerge from their dens in the spring!

Want to learn more about groundhogs/woodchucks? Click here to read more

Submitted by Zach Mork, Naturalist, January 2022