By Jeff Berti
The groundhog is one of the best known wild mammals in Missouri, especially on Feb. 2. However, few people realize this rodent is a member of the squirrel family. Its common name, woodchuck, is an altered form of an Indian name for this species. The origin of its other name, groundhog, is obvious from the animal’s short appearance, waddling gait and habit of living in the ground.
This common Missouri rodent varies from 16-27 inches in length; it has short, powerful legs and a medium length, bushy, and somewhat flattened tail. The long, coarse fur of the back is a brownish gray with a yellowish or reddish cast. Woodchucks weigh 4-14 pounds. They are lightest in spring when they are just out of hibernation and heaviest in the fall prior to hibernation.
When North America was first settled, woodchucks were relatively scarce, but as timbered areas were opened and woodland edge, fence rows and meadows increased, the groundhog’s range expanded and the animals prospered. Now, this species is common everywhere in Missouri except in the Mississippi Lowlands, where it is rare.
Woodchucks prefer to dig their burrows along the edges where timbered areas are bordered by open land or along fence rows and brushy ditches or stream banks. The main entrance to the burrow is often located beneath a tree stump or rock and is usually conspicuous because of a pile of freshly excavated dirt. Side entrances are smaller and better concealed. The tunnels lead to an enlarged chamber, 3-6 feet underground, which contains the nest.
By the end of October, most woodchucks are curled up in a deep sleep in their underground nest. Their sleep is so deep that, even if an animal is warmed up, it requires several hours to awaken. Woodchucks usually hibernate all winter, although during periods of mild weather, some individuals may wake up.
In Missouri, emergence from hibernation begins as early as the first week of February, but severe cold weather may delay this. As the daily temperatures rise and plant growth increases, groundhogs spend more and more time above ground. During this period, the main activity is feeding and basking in the warm sun.
The woodchuck is almost a complete vegetarian, eating leaves, flowers and soft stems of various grasses and field crops such as clover and alfalfa. Certain garden crops like peas, beans and corn are also favorites. Groundhogs occasionally climb trees to obtain apples, which are considered a delicacy.
The breeding season begins in mid-February soon after the animals emerge from hibernation. Pregnancy lasts 31-33 days and the annual litter is born toward the end of March. At birth, the young are naked, blind and helpless. They measure about four inches in length. The eyes open when the young are about four weeks old. By midsummer, the young are 20 inches long and weigh about four pounds. At this time, they may dig temporary burrows near the nursery which they use for a short period. Later, they will move farther away and establish their own homes.
The role of the woodchuck as a builder of homes for other animals is important; because of this, the woodchuck plays a vital role in the wildlife community. Skunks, foxes, weasels, opossums and rabbits all use woodchuck burrows for their dens.
The woodchuck’s taste for garden and agricultural crops often places it in a hostile position with farmers. Their preference for burrowing under buildings and porch steps can also be a nuisance. Occasionally, groundhogs can burrow into levees and pond dams and create erosion problems.
When woodchucks become too plentiful, they can be killed in their burrows by using smoke canisters. However, this should only be done if the burrow is away from any “stick built” structure. Trapping with wire-mesh box traps is preferred over the use of leg-gripping traps, since the woodchuck is such a strong animal it often pulls free from the trap. Hunting with guns can control a local population and provide some recreation as well. Groundhog season will open the day after the close of spring turkey season and will continue through Dec. 15. A young, lean groundhog is said to be good to eat. However, I cannot confirm this, as I have never eaten one.
I hope that I have provided you with a little bit of information about groundhogs. Now, on Friday, when you wait to see if Punxsutawney Phil sees his shadow, you will know everything about him, including his ability to predict the end of winter. Happy early Groundhog Day!
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