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This months featured critter is the Groundhog Physical Characteristics For starters, the groundhog is known widely by many names. Of the most proliferant, we often hear the terms woodchuck or whistlepig. Although referred to as a Woodchuck, this critter really has little to do with wood. Referring back to that old tounge twister, if a woodchuck could chuck wood. The Groundhog is a member of the rodent family which can reach sizes of nearly 3 feet in length and 30 pounds in weight where optimal conditions are present. Typically you can expect roughly one-third of those sizes in an average groundhog. Groundhogs are covered with coarse fur, usually brown in color, but it can range from a pale buff to black on their tails and feet. Family Life The groundhog is a professional when it comes to excavating earth and has been calculated at moving nearly 700 pounds of dirt when burrowing a new renovation. These burrows are used for many purposes which are practical to survival. Sleeping, rearing young, and hibernating, are the primary concerns when constructing each burrow. For security purposes, each burrow is constructed with two exits, or entrances. Let's just state that they develop a front door and a back door, much like our own homes. A groundhog may seem like a docile, rolly-polly critter upon viewing but let it be known, the groundhog will protect itself, burrow, and family, with great tenacity. The groundhog has very large proportionate incisors and claws that will put most predators at a disadvantage especially inside the confines of the groundhogs burrow. Breeding of groundhogs usually takes place during it's second year of life. The breeding period begins in the spring, after hibernation. As a pair mates they will remain close in their burrow, or den, throughout a gestation period that lasts roughly one month. Once the birthing process nears, the male groundhog will leave the burrow. The average litter size can vary between 2 to 6 babies which are weaned until they are ready to seek their own dens. From birth to departure this averages a timespan of approximately 5 weeks. Food The groundhog is, for the most part, a vegetarian. Grasses, berries, and tubers, make up the majority of the diet. The groundhog always keeps it's attention that the onslaught of winter is growing nearer every day and added weight will be needed for hibernation. In times of need the groundhog will certainly make use of sorrounding meals that can include scrounging at times. Anything from bugs to leftover food scraps at a local campground may be consumed but are not registered as a staple of their diet. Clover, alfalfa, and the bark from various trees may be utilized also. Maybe a woodchuck does actually chuck wood! Vocalization The groundhog is considered a fairly quiet critter for the most part but by no means are they considered mute. Groundhogs make a high pitched whistling sound which is why they’re sometimes called whistlepigs that sounds like a person whistling through their teeth, that is an alarm signal. They also make a loud, quick chattering sound with their teeth when challenged, indicating they are willing to stand their ground.