Sat Apr 2023

Groundhog Pup*

Every year a groundhog family winters over in a burrow under a yew hedge bordering our property. When the pups are old enough to travel, in July, the family picks up and leaves for parts unknown.

Commonly known as “woodchucks” (from the Algonquin name, wuchak), groundhogs hibernate during cold weather in burrows up to 45 feet long and 5 feet down, well below the frost line. Anywhere from 3 to 5 entrances allow for quick entry or escape (one is shown here). Special rooms are dug out for sleeping, rearing young, hibernating and other functions. Groundhogs seldom stray far from the burrow, racing back at the first sign of danger.

Every year a groundhog family winters over in a burrow under a yew hedge bordering our property. When the pups are old enough to travel, in July, the family picks up and leaves for parts unknown.

Commonly known as “woodchucks” (from the Algonquin name, wuchak), groundhogs hibernate during cold weather in burrows up to 45 feet long and 5 feet down, well below the frost line. Anywhere from 3 to 5 entrances allow for quick entry or escape (one is shown here). Special rooms are dug out for sleeping, rearing young, hibernating and other functions. Groundhogs seldom stray far from the burrow, racing back at the first sign of danger.

 

+