Groundhogs Whistle

• Groundhogs whistle when they get scared.

• They also whistle during the courting process.

Groundhogs Stay Pretty Healthy

• Groundhogs are resistant to germs and bacteria, such as those that create plagues.

• Insects pretty much leave them alone too.

• They live in underground burrows.

Groundhogs Live For About 7 Years

• Groundhogs are related to squirrels.

• The average lifespan for a groundhog is between 6-8 years.

• Babies are called [kits] or cubs.

• They are born in mid-April to May.

• The average litter is 4-9 kits. (The caretakers of Punxsutawney Phil tell us that he drinks “groundhog punch” every summer. One sip adds another 7 years of life. He turns 131 years old this year!)

Groundhogs Truly Hibernate

• Hibernation is more similar to being in a deep coma versus being experiencing a deep sleep.

• During hibernation, the body temperature drops to just a couple degrees above freezing, breathing nearly stops, and blood flow severely slows.

Groundhogs Love To Eat Healthy

• A groundhog’s diet consists of veggies, greens, and fruits.

• However, they drink very little water.

• They get most of their liquids through dewy leaves.

• Unfortunately, farmers can find them to be a nuisance.

• Groundhogs love cabbage, soybeans, and your backyard garden.

Groundhog Day Evolved From The Early Germans Who Lived In Pennsylvania

• These early settlers brought with them the legend of Candlemas Day: “For as the sun shines on Candlemas Day, so far the snow swirl in May.”

• The Germans found groundhogs to be a much cuter example to carry on the traditional saying.

Groundhog Specifics

• Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania held its first Groundhog Day on February 2^nd, 1887.

• Punxsutawney [Phil] was named after King Philip.

• Before being christened Phil, the groundhog was called Br’er Groundhog.

Celebrate Groundhog Day With These Two Tongue-Twisters

• How much ground can a groundhog grind if a groundhog could grind wood?

• How much wood could a woodchuck chuck, if a woodchuck could chuck wood?