The woodchuck, or groundhog (Marmota monax), is one of the most famous species of marmots in North America. It has become popular thanks to the Groundhog Day tradition, when it is said to predict the arrival of spring. But in fact, this furry animal has many more interesting things to offer in its lifestyle!
Classification and scientific name
• Kingdom: Animals (Animalia)
- Type: Chordate
- Class: Mammalia
- Order: Rodentia
- Family: Sciuridae
- Kind: Marmota
- Species: Marmota monax
Physical characteristics
📏 Sizes
- Body length: 40-65 cm
- Tail: 15-20 cm
- Weight: 2-6 kg (in the fall they can weigh up to 7 kg - they store fat before winter)
🎨 Appearance.
- Dense body, short paws with long claws for digging
- The coat is grayish-brown or reddish
- Small ears, round black eyes
Habitat and lifestyle
📍 Where he lives.
- Found throughout North America, from Canada to the southern United States
- Prefers open meadows, forest edges, fields and gardens
🏡 Housing.
- Digs complex burrows with several entrances and chambers
- The burrow can be up to 10 meters long and 1.5 meters deep
- The marmot sleeps in the winter chamber until spring
🧠 Behavior
- Territorial animal, lives mostly alone
- Active during the day, especially in the morning and evening
- In case of danger, it emits a loud whistle and runs into a hole
Food
🥕 What he eats
- Herbivore - feeds on grasses, clover, dandelions, leaves, berries
- May sometimes eat tree bark or vegetables from the garden
- Stores fat because it does not eat in winter
Hibernation in the winter
❄️ How he sleeps
- Hibernates from October-November to February-March
- Body temperature drops to 4-5°C, breathing slows down
- Wakes up in spring when it gets warmer
Reproduction and life expectancy
🍼 Offspring
- The female gives birth once a year - 2-6 cubs
- Babies are born blind, without hair - they grow in the burrow for about 6 weeks
⏳ How long does he live
- In nature: 4-6 years
- In captivity - up to 10-14 years
Interesting facts
✔️ There is a holiday in the USA Groundhog Day (Groundhog Day), February 2
✔️ Legend: if a groundhog sees his shadow, there will be 6 more weeks of winter
✔️ Name woodchuck has nothing to do with wood - it is a derivative of the Native American word
✔️ Very good at digging, can damage building foundations
Conclusion
The wood marmot is a peaceful inhabitant of fields and forests who has learned to survive perfectly thanks to its burrows and hibernation. He is a true symbol of spring awakening and a master of forest architecture!
