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Groundhogs: The Facts, The Myths and The Legends

Also known as woodchuck, the groundhog is an animal in the rodent family.  It is one of the 14 species and it is mostly found in North America. The groundhog is famous for being a nuisance to farmers as they usually sneak into farms and gardens and eat their produce. Furthermore,  the groundhog is famous because there is a day known as the groundhog day. Therefore, this article will explore the facts, myths and legends that are associated with groundhogs so that the reader can know which information is true and which is not.

The Facts

1 Groundhogs are members of the squirrel family

A picture of a groundhog. , , via Wikimedia Commons

The groundhog is the largest animal in the rodent family as it weighs about 14 pounds and can grow up to 26 inches in length. The Groundhogs usually have fur that is brownish grey. The fur is critical in ensuring that they stay warm during winter. The animal is distinctive for having a robust and stocky build as well as a bushy tail and short legs.

2 They are herbivorous

A gorundhog eating leaves. , , via Wikimedia Commons

Groundhogs are herbivores which means that they feed on vegetation and their primary meal is vegetables, grass, plants, and fruits. This shows that the groundhog’s diet is plant based and therefore, they will feed on different types of plants depending on their availability in the environment that they reside in. Depending on their habitat and environment, groundhogs’ nutritional habits might also change. Others who live in urban or suburban regions, for instance, might scrounge for food in vegetable gardens, and parks, whereas others who live in more natural settings depend on a wider variety of native vegetation.

Their herbivorous lifestyle is essential for the nutrient cycle that occurs in ecosystems. Groundhogs help create nutrient-rich soils by eating plant material and leaving behind faeces, which benefits nearby plants and wildlife. Furthermore, groundhogs will eat young shoots and leaves because they are easier for them to digest.

3 Groundhogs hibernation habits

A groundhog emerging from a burrow. , , via Wikimedia Commons

Their hibernation habits are what have made groundhogs quite popular. This is because when it reaches the winter season the animal goes into hibernation so that they can conserve their energy. The temperatures that are experienced during the winter season are so harsh and not ideal for the survival of the groundhogs. Therefore, as a survival strategy, the groundhog hibernates during this time. Before they go into hibernation, the animal builds up reserves that they will use during these months and since in the hibernated state the body functions are reduced, they are able to survive on the food that they have.

4 They are skilled climbers and swimmers

Groundhogs are skilled animals that know how to survive in any environment that they find themselves in. They are very good swimmers and climbers which allows them to escape from predators fast. They have sharp claws that allow them to dig deep into any surface that they are climbing and thus not lose their grip. Furthermore, they have webbed feet which allows them to paddle through water easily when they need to escape danger.

The Myths

1 Groundhogs can predict the weather

A groundhog. , , via Wikimedia Commons

The most common myth that is well known is that groundhogs can predict the weather on Groundhog Day.  This statement is untrue and that is not the case. This myth is supported by a folklore that claims that when a groundhog bores its way through and emerges from its burrow and looks at its shadow, then there will be six more weeks of winter. The myth can be traced back to ancient European times and it then spread when Europeans explored America. However, there has been no scientific evidence that suggests that if a groundhog looks at its tail there will be a longer winter.

2 Groundhogs are aggressive

Many people seem to think that groundhogs are aggressive and dangerous animals that will harm them if they ever came into contact with the. This is a myth and thus not true as the animal is a quite shy and non-aggressive creature. They are usually on their own and therefore often retreat to their burrows when they sense that there could be danger instead of facing it. Because they adopt defensive behaviours like chattering their teeth so that they can scare away potential predators,  they may come off as aggressive and dangerous but in reality, they are shy and non-confrontational creatures.

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The legend

1 Groundhogs are a symbol of fertility

A groundhog standing. , , via Wikimedia Commons

In several Native American cultures, groundhogs were held in high regard as they signified wisdom, fertility and weather prediction. They were seen as weather forecasters because when it reached the time for them to emerge from hibernation, native people knew that the season was changing. Furthermore, their adaptability where they could move past obstacles and challenges signified that they were wise and thus taken to signify wisdom among different communities. Their habit of burrowing deep into the ground was equated with digging deep and rediscovering oneself.

2 Groundhogs signify the link between the living and the underworld

Their burrowing abilities have been a source of inspiration for different legends and folklore in different communities. In one community, the ability of a groundhog to burrow into the ground has been taken to signify the link between the physical realm and the spirit realm. As the groundhogs create tunnels that are intricate in the ground it means that there are secrets in the spirit realm that one has to look for them in order to uncover them

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