|
Let's Meet Taz the Little Groundhog, Shall We? |
A favorite animal of wildlife rehabilitators is the groundhog, because of its playful, puppy-like behavior. This groundhog was rescued when her nest was dug up at a construction site. Director Ron Wexler names all of his groundhogs "Taz" because of the resemblance to the broad-shouldered cartoon character.  |
| Groundhogs are excellent burrowers, using burrows for sleeping, rearing young, and hibernating. They are the most solitary of the marmots but several individuals may occupy the same burrow. |
| The groundhog, also known as the woodchuck, belongs to the large group of ground squirrels known as marmots. They are well-adapted for digging, with short but powerful limbs and curved, thick claws. They usually live for 2-3 years but can live up to 6 years. They are mostly herbivorous. Groundhogs are one of the few species that enter into true hibernation. They are good swimmers and can climb trees. |
| February 2nd is Groundhog Day, when humble Marmota monax reveals how much of winter is left. Ancient peoples called it Imbolg, Oimelc, Birgit's Eve, and Candlemas but it was always the earliest date that they looked for the return of spring, which they thought was signaled by the emergence of hibernating creatures. |
|
