Learn About Groundhogs In Time For The Holiday!

February 2nd is Groundhog Day! To most, perhaps it is a nonsensical holiday. To others, it intrigues by connecting folklore and tradition (from the Pennsylvania Dutch). Nonetheless, the holiday focuses our attention to a very important question: are we in for more winter or much closer to Spring!? If you believe in groundhog predictions, this year Punxsutawney Phil saw his shadow, thus declaring 6 more weeks of cold weather. 

Groundhogs are a quirky, cultural American icon 

While having a national holiday is more than most animals receive, I would still argue that groundhogs are wildly overlooked and underappreciated. These creatures provide value far beyond seasonal pop culture, and should be celebrated year round! Let me tell you why.

For starters, groundhogs are the largest members of the squirrel family. Classified as marmots, these ground-dwelling rodents burrow massive networks! Through digging, groundhogs aerate the soil faster and bring nutrients to plant roots. A second benefit of the groundhog is that their dens unintentionally set up safe spaces for other animals. This means refuge or a hideout to escape predators. Voles, mice, chipmunks rabbits, skunks and even frogs have been documented utilizing groundhog dens.      

 

With this influence over its environment, groundhogs can be considered "ecosystem engineers". As they positively modify both abiotic and biotic features in their surroundings, groundhogs contribute to the good health of their woodland habitat. 

 

The entrance to a groundhog den.  

  The photo above was taken along a woodline on our Green Course. This one tunnel will lead to a multi-chamber space with a series of burrows. Each burrow is specialized for different activities. This includes everything from hibernating, raising young, even a space for defecating. To be able to design this kind of habitat, takes a unique level of intelligence, navigation and social behavior.

 

Another standout fact about groundhogs is that they are one of the few animals to own the label of "true hibernators". During the winter months, groundhogs enter a deep slumber that allows their body temperature to lower beneath 40°F. Their breathing also decreases to once every 6 minutes. To complete this feat, however, they must first prepare by fueling up energy and eating voraciously. 

Check out the chompers on this one! Clearly stocking up on what's still green in November.

All in all, I think its safe to say: groundhogs are much more than they get credit for! 

 

Post photography and writing by Yael Weiss.