The groundhog, also known as a woodchuck, is a pretty famous rodent. After all, what other animal has been responsible for telling us if we will be having an early spring or more weeks of winter since 1887? While this is not true despite over a century of tradition (though don’t tell Punxsutawney Phil), groundhogs are amazing creatures.
These creatures hold a prominent place in North American folklore and tradition. However, various myths and misconceptions have arisen about this rodent, and one of the most prevalent concerns is; are groundhogs dangerous? In this blog, our animal removal professionals at Shumaker’s will discuss myths of groundhogs and debunk them, aiming to separate facts from fiction.
Myth 1: Groundhogs Are Dangerous and Aggressive
So, the main question remains; are groundhogs dangerous? The common perception is that groundhogs are aggressive creatures that will attack humans or pets without provocation. The truth is that groundhogs are generally timid around humans and prefer to retreat to their burrows when they sense danger. They can bite and scratch if provoked but are not naturally aggressive.
Like other rodents and pests you find in your yard, groundhogs are wild animals. They’re after their survival and not their effects on humans. While groundhogs may not spread as many diseases as other rodents, that doesn’t mean they are harmless. They may carry rabies or other ailments. According to the Mayo Clinic, Groundhogs carry groundhog ticks, or woodchuck ticks, which can transmit the Powassan virus.
So even if the groundhog may not be carrying a disease, it could be innocently carrying ticks or fleas, which you may not want in your yard or home. In addition, if you’re a farmer or gardener, groundhogs could damage your crops or plants.
When it comes to answering the question of whether groundhogs are dangerous, the answer is “possibly”. It’s always wise to maintain a respectful distance from any wildlife, including groundhogs.
Myth 2: Groundhogs Can Predict the Weather
While the Groundhog Day ceremony is an interesting tradition, the truth is that groundhogs do not possess any meteorological skills. People believe that groundhogs emerge from their burrows in early February to check the weather. But this is not the case as this period aligns with the groundhog’s natural hibernation cycle, and any appearance is more about finding food or a mate rather than predicting the weather.
The belief that groundhogs predict an early spring is solely based on folklore and not scientific evidence. According to statistics, the weather prediction accuracy of groundhogs is about 39%, which is not much better than flipping a coin.
Myth 3: Groundhogs Hibernate All Winter
Groundhogs are one of the few mammals that hibernate during the colder months. This state of dormancy happens due to their decreased heart rate, body temperature, breathing, and metabolic rate. Most people don’t know they are sharing their residence with them until the spring and summer when they come out of their burrows and begin foraging for food.
However, groundhogs don’t hibernate throughout the entire winter. They enter hibernation from late fall for roughly three months, then wake up when it’s still quite cold to look for food or prepare for the mating season. Probably this is what contributes to the Groundhog Day myth.
Myth 4: Groundhogs are Vermin and Serve no Purpose
Honestly, this myth does a disservice to these fascinating creatures. All animals, including groundhogs, play a critical role in the ecosystem. They are excellent burrowers, and this habit helps to aerate and turn the soil, which assists in nutrient distribution. These burrows also provide habitat for other wildlife, such as foxes and rabbits.
Additionally, groundhogs are part of the food chain. They serve as a source of food for various predators, such as wolves, coyotes, and hawks. Their population dynamics can affect the populations of these predators.
Myth 5: Groundhogs Can Eat an Entire Garden Overnight
Groundhogs are insatiable eaters and can consume a lot of vegetation, causing some damage to your garden. However, this doesn’t support the idea that they can eat an entire garden overnight. A groundhog’s diet consists mainly of plant material, and they need to eat frequently. However, the amount of damage they can cause depends on the availability of other food sources and the size of the groundhog population in the area.
Contact Shumaker’s Animal Control for Humane Groundhog Removal
If you’ve encountered a groundhog on your property, leave it alone and call us. We will come to remove the animals before sealing up the opening where they entered. Located in Baltimore County, MD, we’re staffed with licensed cooperators and trained to assist in any and every situation regarding animal removal.
Feel free to check out our services, and if you have a groundhog problem, don’t hesitate to contact us online or call us at 443-854-8072.