When groundhogs are mentioned, people often think about Groundhog Day and whether or not we’ll have six more weeks of winter weather. Have you ever thought about what the daily life of a groundhog is? Groundhogs are part of the rodent family and are one of the largest diggers in the world. Here is some more information on the daily life of a groundhog.
Lifestyle
Groundhogs are non-social, solitary animals that live underground. Dominant males will typically have a home that overlaps with the home of two or more females, making it easy to mate during the season. Groundhogs build both summer and winter dens, both containing several entrances, tunnels, and an escape hole. In the summertime, they come out to eat about twice a day and sometimes come out to lay in the sun. in the winter, groundhogs hibernate and typically aren’t seen too often.
Diet
Groundhogs are mostly herbivores, meaning they eat a majority plant based diet. Their favorite foods to eat are dandelions, clover, alfalfa, and coltsfoot. However, if they come across it, they will also eat leaves, bird eggs, insects, and bark from trees.
Mating
Groundhogs are polygynous animals, meaning males have multiple different mates each season. Male groundhogs come out of hibernation earlier than females so that they can establish their territories and begin the search for mates. Mating takes place very soon after hibernation is over in the spring season. The average size of most litters are 3-5 pups and they mature quickly, leaving their mothers at 2 months old.
Defense Mechanisms
Unfortunately, groundhogs aren’t very fast runners at all. However, this is why they dig escape holes and intricate tunnels throughout their dens. When they feel threatened, they resort back into their den if they have enough time to make it.
If not, they will arch their bodies, show their teeth, and raise their tails to give off the impression that they are bigger than what they really are. The main predators that groundhogs have to worry about are bobcats, coyotes, dogs, foxes, and hawks.
Are Groundhogs Invading Your Yard Space? Contact Shumaker Animal Control Today!
If you think you have a groundhog problem on your property, call the experts at Shumaker Animal Control to deal with the problem for you. Our experienced team will take care of the problem in a timely manner, ensuring that you, your home and pets are not in any danger.
At Shumaker Animal Control, we are a family-owned business who cares about the safety of you and your family but also about the well-being of the animals themselves.
All of our trapping and control methods are humane, as we never try to hurt the angry or scared animal.
Call us at 443-854-8072 or view the online website at http://www.shumakeranimalremoval.com/ for more information.
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