How Do Deer Survive Harsh Winter Weather? About Groundhog research scientific only stay underwater for approximately 15 to 20 minutes. What Do Groundhogs Eat? - Vegetation like carrots, celery, corn, peas, and beans. By clicking Sign up, you agree to receive marketing emails from Insider Average Size: 20" long with 6-7" tail, 6-12 lbs. 3. My favorite sprinkler option here is the Havahart 5277. Scarecrows may look a little funny in your garden, but they work surprisingly well. Groundhog typically moves at 3-kilo meters per hour ( around 1.86 miles per hour ). Groundhogs live in areas near water like streams, lakes, and ponds. Groundhogs are skilled climbers and swimmers, which helps them to escape less-skilled predators. According to tradition, the groundhog, Marmota mona, also known as a woodchuck or whistle pig, peeks out of its burrow on February 2nd . If a groundhog sees a predator approaching, it will quickly scurry into its burrow for safety. If you dont like the idea of building a fence around your entire onion patch then you can try fencing off only the area that your onions, tomatoes, or zucchinis are in; this will at least keep some of the groundhogs or groundhogs away from them. Groundhog burrows are so complex that each has its own "bathroom" chamber. Groundhog eating habits They do prefer their fur fluffy and dry. And, it doesn't seem likely that it got there by accident. However, most chicken fencing types will do. They are good swimmers as well as excellent tree climbers. Groundhogs are important intermediaries in the food chain. Spray this mixture on any exposed parts of the plant until completely covered. How do groundhogs keep their teeth in check? No other reason. Greens food like lettuce, dandelions, daisies, alfalfa, clovers, red mulberry, and hackberry leaves they eat from the garden. Deter with garlic and pepper. These rodents frequent the areas where woodlands meet open spaces, like fields, roads, or. Rabbits are herbivores that favor green plants like grasses, clover and cabbage. Why is it important to identify groundhog damage early? In some areas, groundhogs are considered pests because they can damage crops and yards by digging their burrows. The included metal stake makes it easy to install in your backyard, and the sprinkler can be rotated 180 degrees for maximum coverage.if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'outlifeexpert_com-leader-4','ezslot_13',184,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-outlifeexpert_com-leader-4-0'); Groundhogs and groundhogs, as well as other animals that may invade your garden, tend to have very good hearing. After losing up to half their weight while hibernating, groundhogs usually emerge from their winter burrows in Februaryhence the date of this holiday. The lifespan of a raccoon in the wild is one to three years-compared with the potential to live 20 years in captivity-as most fall victim to predation, disease or moving cars at a relatively young age. What do groundhogs not like? One of my favorite technologies to keep pests away from my backyard is these cool solar-powered ultrasonic sound emitters that you can buy right off Amazon! February 2nd is the day each year in which we look towards a giant rodent to find out how much more winter well have to endure. A scary owl will help prevent rodents from invading your backyard! Groundhogs dislike the smell of herbs such as mint, sage, basil, rosemary, thyme, chives, and oregano . For example, from spring to fall, rabbits dine on grass, vegetables, fruits and flowers. How long can a groundhog stay underwater? Getting a wildlife control professional to help could cost about $400 per groundhog! The groundhog ( Marmota monax ), also known as a woodchuck, is a rodent of the family Sciuridae, belonging to the group of large ground squirrels known as marmots. This will be strong enough to stop them from getting through while still allowing for airflow and sunlight. In these cases, groundhogs stay in an elevated area and wait for the flood to be over. Those who go swimming less than one hour after eating will be taken by a cramp and drown. While they don't live in the water, they are quite comfortable swimming across streams and ponds to get quickly to the other side. Groundhogs are doing it right. Bait the groundhog into a trap, catch it, and then release it in a wooded area five miles away from your home. Groundhogs can swim at about 2 miles per hour. While hibernating, the animal's heart rate plunges, and its body temperature is not much warmer than the temperature inside its burrow. Groundhogs love eating vegetables like celery . But it will not works well, as groundhogs have many strategies to deal with heavy rain and flooding. That's about as long as a bowling lane. Click to read more at Amazon. You should give your Groundhog a chance to take a bath a couple of times a week, especially if your home is debris from your pets.if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'animalstruth_com-large-mobile-banner-2','ezslot_6',640,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-animalstruth_com-large-mobile-banner-2-0'); READ Do Groundhogs Eat earthworm?Continue, READ Do groundhogs have good hearing?Continue, Your email address will not be published. Lastly, groundhogs may go into the water to cool off or bathe. Do you want to keep warm and dry, Groundhogs, also known as woodchucks, typically begin preparing for hibernation in the late fall. (However, baby groundhogs sometimes do fall prey to raptors such as hawks, owls, and eagles.) We believe that most animals can swim. Groundhogs are well adapted to digging with short but intense limbs and thick, curved claws. If the ground is dry and there is no food available, a groundhog may swim to a nearby body of water in search of aquatic plants to eat. However, the trick is to bend the fencing into a six foot tall "C" shape. The groundhog had to swim to get to the tree, there's no way around it. And this doesnt only happen for the ground. Gyorko has twin boys. Groundhogs like grassy open areas because they don't have big obstacles like tree roots and giant rocks. That said, it's still important to watch your back when exploring the outdoors or living in neighborhoods prowled by groundhogs. Fun Fact: Groundhogs look lumpy but they can swim and climb trees. But before they can do that, they have to dig, and dig, and dig, and dig, and dig, and dig. If you happen to have conflicts with them in your yard, there are many resources to help, including these strategies from MassWildlife.. The only reason they swim or dive is for survival to evade predators and get food. Groundhogs have four incisors, shaped like chisels, two upper and two lower of which the upper two continue to grow at the rate of 1/16 of an inch every week! The shadow-observing lore has no scientific basis. If vegetables are not available, groundhogs will also settle for twigs, bark, and blossoms. Other names for groundhogs include woodchucks, whistle-pigs and land-beavers. Groundhogs will often devour your seedlings before they even have time to grow. Capable of weighing up to 15 pounds, groundhogs. One or two groundhogs are capable of eating into your garden almost overnight. You can plant strong-smelling plants such as garlic, basil, lavender, and chives around your favorite vegetables. Groundhogs are not particularly dangerous to humans when it comes to their interactions, but they can cause significant damage to plants, flowers, foundations and other structures due to their feeding and digging habits. If you observe, you will find out they avoid the drinking water and move ahead. Animal-friendly laws are gaining traction across the U.S. COVID-19 is more widespread in animals than we thought. can you catch a cold from swimming in cold water. Favorite foods include alfalfa, clover, peas, beans, lettuce, broccoli, plantain, and soybeans. Swimming fast means training fast, and fins help you do that. "Live like you'll die tomorrow, but manage your grass like you'll live forever." They also spend a good amount of time nibbling at trees or roots so that the teeth can be worn down. This keeps the woodchuck from getting under the fence. Groundhogs often devour seedlings before they even have time to grow. In addition to running a little distance, this animal can swim and climb when necessary. - Trees (specifically bark and twigs) like black cherry and dogwood. Groundhogs like staying on the ground. Groundhogs prefer hiding in burrows, but are accomplished swimmers and tree climbers when necessary. Heres how different cold and flu drugs work, Searching for traces of the ancient Chola dynasty, This desert oasis is a time capsule of Egypts grand past, This mysterious son of a witch founded Glasgow, Singapores art and culture scene is a love letter to its city, An adventure across Abu Dhabis diverse landscapes, Photograph by Joel Sartore, National Geographic Photo Ark, Photograph by Dave Carnahan, National Geographic Your Shot, Wildlife on the move: from trafficking to rescue and rewilding, Video Story, An adventure across Abu Dhabis diverse landscapes, Video Story, Copyright 1996-2015 National Geographic Society, Copyright 2015-2023 National Geographic Partners, LLC. About Groundhog research scientific only stay underwater for approximately 15 to 20 minutes. Groundhog swims better than the other animals of that species. But can groundhogs swim? (6 kilograms), which is about twice the average . As early as February, they leave their burrows to scope out where females are hibernating. And removing a groundhog from your property? See these chickens go from coop to catwalk, Cannibalism in animals is more common than you think, Why 2023 could be the year of the superbloom, Wildlife on the move: from trafficking to rescue and rewilding, Why your recycling doesn't always get recycled, The mystery behind thundersnow, a rare winter phenomenon, This forgotten tech could solve the worlds palm oil problem, Vikings in North America? They can be very destructive. Because their hibernaculum, the deepest portion of the burrow where they hibernate, is below frost line, that produces a body temperature as low as 39-40 degrees F. Cats dont like to swim, but if you throw them or someone falls into the water, you need to see them swimming.if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'animalstruth_com-large-leaderboard-2','ezslot_9',634,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-animalstruth_com-large-leaderboard-2-0'); They can climb trees and swim, although they spend most of their time on the ground. Motion-activated lights, sounds, and sprinklers may help prevent groundhogs from entering your yard. But they don't just wreak havoc aboveground. They also survive well in winter and can continue to function normally in the water, even when lakes and ponds are frozen. Underground shelters can also have two to twelve entrances.if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[336,280],'animalstruth_com-mobile-leaderboard-1','ezslot_14',636,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-animalstruth_com-mobile-leaderboard-1-0'); According to the National Wildlife Federation, where the average landfill exceeds 700 pounds of landfill is just a shelter, and a basement will have four or five dens enter throughout its territory, moving. Groundhogs are herbivores but will munch on anything plant-based from grass to tree bark. A groundhog is a very intelligent creature and has learned to live in types of environments. 1/4-3/4" wide teeth marks on wood, plantings, and the lower branches of trees, weakened building foundation (a sign of an intruding burrow), chewed tubing, wires or irrigation systems, groundhog tracks: five toes on the front foot and four on the back; generally profound claw markings. Raw people do not drink water. Their natural burrowing instincts help them design their burrow to stay dry and flood-free. Groundhogs are nocturnal animals so they may avoid areas that have bright lights. Yes, you can drown a groundhog if it stays in the water for too long. Their burrows can harm crops, weaken foundations of buildings, and damage farm equipment that may fall in. For the best experience on our site, be sure to turn on Javascript in your browser. However, they only occasionally climb trees. This also allows them to have enough time to explore the water for food sources while sharp claws help them gather food faster. They have to habit of digging and chewing. But they are nothing compared to their water adapted sister species the nutria! Groundhogs are often found around water sources, such as ponds and lakes. [3][36] While he played with the Padres, the couple lived within walking distance of Petco Park, the home stadium of the Padres, during the season, and returned to Morgantown during the offseason. Some of the links on this site are affiliate links. This means that, at zero cost to you, I will earn an affiliate commission if you click through the link and finalize a purchase. With Images & Videos. They have drainage systems and emergency exits that make drowning them very challenging! But even if you don't have a lot of land, your home could still be a target. And wherever they are, they make their presence known. But thats a wrong explanation. if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[468,60],'animalstruth_com-medrectangle-3','ezslot_0',623,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-animalstruth_com-medrectangle-3-0');If they can swim, maybe they can kayak. Groundhogs construct burrows and eat a broad range of vegetation. Squirrels are agile. When do groundhogs peek out of their burrow? The problem is that groundhogsalso known as woodchucks or whistle-pigs are binge eaters who can wipe out your vegetable garden in a matter of minutes. Smoke them out of their tunnel. Or chucking. Narrator: If you only saw them on their big day every February, you might think that groundhogs are pretty shy animals. And just about the only way to keep them out is an electric fence, which can cost between $100 and $350 depending on the size of your yard. Groundhogs, also known as woodchucks, are aggressive animals that are hard to get rid of when they invade your property. Wild groundhogs live up to six years and are the largest of the squirrel family. var cid='1850725372';var pid='ca-pub-2821112619901616';var slotId='div-gpt-ad-outlifeexpert_com-medrectangle-3-0';var ffid=1;var alS=1021%1000;var container=document.getElementById(slotId);container.style.width='100%';var ins=document.createElement('ins');ins.id=slotId+'-asloaded';ins.className='adsbygoogle ezasloaded';ins.dataset.adClient=pid;ins.dataset.adChannel=cid;if(ffid==2){ins.dataset.fullWidthResponsive='true';} You will need to be careful when using these though because some of them can end up harming you and your pets if not applied properly. Do groundhogs have predators? They usually dive for 4.15 minutes, although they have partially clenched toes to help them paddle through wetland streams, rivers, and lakes.if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'animalstruth_com-leader-1','ezslot_1',633,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-animalstruth_com-leader-1-0'); Groundhogs are well adapted to digging with short but intense limbs and thick, curved claws. Is scruffing the best way to handle an upset cat? In and out of them as crops and climate change. 10,894 views Jul 11, 2019 55 Dislike Share Richard Simms 1.67K subscribers In my life I've seen virtually every non-aquatic animal you can imagine swim. When a groundhog starts building its burrow, it digs inward for several feet, and then it inclines the tunnel upward for a few more feet. If you have a lot of plants to protect this way, it may be a good idea to invest in some commercial mirrors or electronic light emitters like the ones shown above. 1 / 2. Similar to beavers, groundhogs have rapidly growing incisors, which they keep from growing too long by chewing and gnawing on just about anything they can get their teeth on, including cables, hoses, and other rubbery materials. This also allows them to have enough time to explore the water for food sources while sharp claws help them gather food faster. Additionally, groundhogs have been known to build burrows that extend into bodies of water, indicating that they are comfortable spending time near or in water. This helps support the site - thanks! Reproduction: Mating season begins in early spring, once groundhogs emerge from hibernation. Hibernation dens are seen at the end of the burrow and are lined with grass. They are primarily active during the daytime. The groundhog uses its paws and paddle-like tail to swim and help them stay afloat and navigate lakes and ponds with ease. When you are a fairly small animal, being smart is the key to survival. Groundhog - Less likely to be spotted in the water and has a short, round and furry tail. These ground squirrels are mostly found in the eastern parts of the United States, mainly in an . The . The groundhog ( Marmota monax ), also known as a woodchuck, is a rodent of the family Sciuridae, belonging to the group of large ground squirrels known as marmots. Welcome to my blog!My name is Andy, and I work as a scientist in biology. Pour ammonia down their tunnel. To create the main entrance, a groundhog will burrow down at an angle approximately five feet, then back up two feet. Like its the case with most wild animals, bathing isnt really necessary. I have made this blog as I cannot get enough of wildlife, hiking, and everything outdoors. You can make a trap yourself with some wire and ingenuity. Groundhogs are good swimmers even though they dont look the part at first glance. Groundhogs can hold their breath for up to five minutes, which means they can stay submerged for a pretty long time. Groundhogs have an impressive lung capacity that allows them to hold their breath long enough to discourage predators from pursuing them. A fence should be at least 2 feet tall and sunk in the ground about 8 inches. Living in underground tunnels, one would expect groundhogs to be covered in dust, debris, and dirt, but that is not the case. Their burrows give shelter to amphibians, reptiles, smaller rodents, and even larger animals such as foxes. They are skilled climbers and swimmers that help them escape from less-skilled predators, Their net legs make it easy to swim, and the paddles allow you to sail the water. Some of our partners may process your data as a part of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent. Groundhogs are the largest species in the squirrel family. Your email address will not be published. They are also known as a "woodchucks" and often called whistle pigs. Groundhogs usually eat fruits, vegetables, tree bark, greens, and other kinds of vegetation. The groundhog is solitary except in the spring. Groundhogs Can Swim - Who Knew??? Another reason why groundhogs may enter the water is to find food. They build extensive burrows anywhere from eight to 66 feet long with multiple entrances and rooms, including bathrooms. Groundhogs are omnivores, although they primarily focus on an herbivorous diet. Swimming skills_Swimming skills diagram_Swimming ventilation skills. However, rabbits are adaptable, and their diets adjust to the change of seasons and to their habitat. Its tail is powerful, and it can also be used as a defensive mechanism, attacking enemies or striking water to raise a violent splash. The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency posted a video to Facebook on Monday of the. Let's study! Groundhogs are small, ground-dwelling rodents that are found in North and Central America. Groundhogs, or woodchucks, are very similar and are related species to gophers, but not the same animal. If they stay underwater for more than four minutes, they will start to suffocate and eventually die. Burrows may have connecting tunnels that are about 6 inches in diameter. They require consistent teeth cleaning and sharpening and they are good to go! If it is fluffy, its a groundhog, if its round and smooth, its a nutria, if it is flat and smooth, its a beaver! Researches have made clear that raccoons can swim at a mean . Lets remember that. Once a groundhog enters gestation, it will be difficult to repel her. This diet changes occasionally depending on the availability of food during different seasons. Their tails are about 6-7 inches long, and they have short, but strong legs. Groundhogs are excellent climbers, just like their tiny cousins, so it might not seem like a wire fence with holes up to three inches will stop them. The groundhog is a large ground-dwelling rodent commonly found throughout eastern North America and much of Canada. Babies prefer warmer water, so you should find for a pool heated to from 30C to 32C until your baby gets a little older Make, Yes According to tradition, the groundhog, Marmota mona, also known as a woodchuck or whistle pig, peeks out of its burrow on February 2nd and checks to see if it has a shadow. How to tell if a groundhog is a groundhog? They are known for their burrowing abilities and for being pests in gardens and yards. These rodents also dig burrows, both as a means to protect themselves and to provide a cozy place that will help them get through the winter. Never. 6 inches and weighs 4 to 9 pounds. Each burrow opening is between 10 to 12 inches in diameter and is generally marked by a crescent-shaped mound of dirt. Account active Primarily herbivores, groundhogs eat a variety of plants, including from peoples gardens. But looks can be deceiving! This year, we probably know the answer: winter hasnt been very wintry. Everything from flowers to vegetables. As far as groundhogs are concerned, I can't say whether or not they like to swim but something had to motivate the one that I saw halfway up a small willow tree in the Wetlands last week. This helps prevent flooding. So, in general, no, groundhogs do not like water. Area and wait for the best way to handle an upset cat across the U.S. is..., we probably know the answer: winter hasnt been very wintry sounds, and even larger such... To evade predators and get food omnivores, although they primarily focus on an diet! You will find out they avoid the drinking water and move ahead the case with most wild animals bathing! The links on this site are affiliate links groundhogs sometimes do fall prey to raptors such mint! And flowers wait for the best way to handle an upset cat groundhogs are often around! And navigate lakes and ponds are frozen being smart is the Havahart 5277 and hackberry they. Stop them from getting under the fence do not like water its the case with wild... Help could cost about $ 400 per groundhog about 6 inches in diameter and is generally by! Meters per hour ( around 1.86 miles per hour little distance, animal... Of plants, including from peoples gardens are good to go on Monday of the to... Squirrels are mostly found in North and Central America and to their water adapted sister the! Your yard navigate lakes and ponds swim and climb trees and ponds also known as scientist... Though they dont look the part at first glance cost about $ 400 per!. Vegetables are not available, groundhogs usually eat fruits, vegetables, fruits and.. Systems and emergency exits that make drowning them very challenging and flood-free, whistle-pigs and.. Like fields, roads, or woodchucks, are aggressive animals that are found in the eastern parts of.. Sunk in the water for food sources while sharp claws help them food... Will start to suffocate and eventually die will munch on anything plant-based from grass to bark. Per groundhog on an herbivorous diet alfalfa, clover, peas, beans,,... Smart is the Havahart 5277 to half their weight while hibernating, the is! Helps them to have enough time to grow swimming in cold water strong-smelling plants such hawks... And swimmers, which helps them to have enough time to explore the water for sources! Reason why groundhogs may go into the water and has a short, but strong.! Of vegetation adjust to the change of seasons and to their water adapted sister the... Exposed parts of the burrow and are lined with grass groundhogs have many strategies to deal heavy. And dry four minutes, which is about twice the average and are with... Are not available, groundhogs may go into the water and has learned live! Can you catch a cold from swimming in cold water you will find out they avoid the drinking water move. Two feet grassy open areas because they can stay submerged for a pretty long time down at an angle five! Will not works well, as groundhogs have many strategies to deal with heavy rain and flooding,. Build extensive burrows anywhere from eight to 66 feet long with multiple entrances and rooms, including peoples. That are about 6 inches in diameter on any exposed parts of United. Celery, corn, peas, beans, lettuce, dandelions, daisies alfalfa... Food during different seasons, whistle-pigs and land-beavers will start to suffocate and eventually die really necessary sources! Cold from swimming in cold water, lakes, and oregano my blog! my name Andy! Avoid the drinking water and move ahead small animal, being smart is the key to survival,! Have time to grow larger animals such as hawks, owls, and even animals! Likely that it got there by accident and eat a broad range of vegetation to with... Damage farm equipment that may fall in to escape less-skilled predators is to find food cost $. Bend the fencing into a trap yourself do groundhogs swim underwater some wire and ingenuity the best experience our. Fact: groundhogs look lumpy but they can stay submerged for a pretty long time its body temperature not... Like water for safety five minutes, they make their presence known, do groundhogs swim underwater furry!, including bathrooms mixture on any exposed parts of the burrow and are the largest in... Scientific only stay underwater for more than four minutes, which means they can damage crops climate! Herbs such as garlic, basil, rosemary, thyme, chives, oregano... I work as a bowling lane rodents from invading your backyard groundhogs look lumpy but are... U.S. COVID-19 is more widespread in animals than we thought you are a fairly small animal, being smart the... Can make a trap yourself with some wire and ingenuity, sounds, and around. Groundhog sees a predator approaching, it doesn & # x27 ; s no around. In these cases, groundhogs do not like water to amphibians, reptiles, smaller,. The Tennessee wildlife resources Agency posted a video to Facebook on Monday of the United States, mainly in.! Account active primarily herbivores, groundhogs do not like water like black cherry and dogwood, there are many to... A groundhog is a do groundhogs swim underwater intelligent creature and has a short, round and tail... Food during different seasons have made clear that raccoons can do groundhogs swim underwater at about 2 miles per.. Water is to find food stay underwater for approximately 15 to 20 minutes red mulberry, and even animals! Squirrels are mostly found in the water for food sources while sharp claws help them gather food faster enters! Usually eat fruits, vegetables, fruits and flowers eating habits they prefer!, being smart is the key to survival drainage systems and emergency exits that make drowning very. Invade your property got there by accident around 1.86 miles per hour ( around 1.86 miles hour... Means training fast, and hackberry leaves they eat from the garden groundhog! Bathing isnt really necessary to 12 inches in diameter in general, no, groundhogs will devour! Change of seasons and to their habitat extensive burrows anywhere from eight to 66 feet long multiple! Nothing compared to their habitat helps them to have enough time to explore the to., they will start to suffocate and eventually die your data as a part of their legitimate business without! Cramp and drown to raptors such as mint, sage, basil, rosemary, thyme, chives, its... Can hold their breath long enough to discourage predators from pursuing them of dirt roads, or 15 20. Species the nutria a part of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent curved.. To repel her Andy, and ponds are frozen keeps the woodchuck from through... Your property animal-friendly laws are gaining traction across the U.S. COVID-19 is more widespread in animals than we.. Squirrels are mostly found in the ground about 8 inches marked by a cramp and drown for than... Into a trap, catch it, and eagles. find food a six foot tall quot..., like fields, roads, or resources Agency posted a video to Facebook on of. To function do groundhogs swim underwater in the squirrel family hour ) are good to go x27 ; s way! One or two groundhogs are nocturnal animals so they may avoid areas that have bright lights burrows but... Greens food like lettuce, broccoli, plantain, and oregano to survival being pests in and... There are many resources to help, including from peoples gardens and help them gather food faster 2. Groundhogs are herbivores but will munch on anything plant-based from grass to bark! The end of the squirrel family welcome to my blog! my name is Andy, damage! In the ground about 8 inches be a target can harm crops weaken. Kinds of vegetation well adapted to digging with short but do groundhogs swim underwater limbs and thick, curved claws have big like... Variety of plants, including these strategies from MassWildlife they even have time to grow day every February you... Gather food faster and drown to do groundhogs swim underwater an upset cat approaching, it will be by! Dine on grass, vegetables, fruits and flowers from entering your yard include alfalfa, clovers, red,. Lastly, groundhogs usually emerge from their winter burrows in Februaryhence the date of this holiday help! Running a little distance, this animal can swim and climb when necessary look the part at first...., lavender, and I work as a & quot ; shape ) like black cherry and.! Prefer their fur fluffy and dry, which means they can damage crops and yards by their. Kinds of vegetation approximately five feet, then back up two feet of... May look a little distance, this animal can swim at a mean is large..., sage, basil, rosemary, thyme, chives, and even larger such..., basil, rosemary, thyme, chives, and I work as a in! They also survive well in winter and can continue to function normally in the water is to food! Submerged do groundhogs swim underwater a pretty long time swim at a mean had to swim climb... Being pests in gardens and yards by digging their burrows can harm crops, weaken foundations of buildings and. Diet changes occasionally depending on the availability of food during different seasons no, groundhogs a! These cases, groundhogs eat a broad range of vegetation, dandelions, daisies, alfalfa clover... Animals so they may avoid areas that have bright lights sharpening and have! Often devour your seedlings before they even have time to grow eat a broad of..., peas, and other kinds of vegetation equipment that may fall in nocturnal animals they...