How much do you know about this creature? Do you think he’ll see his shadow? Have fun with the tongue-twisters at the end of this article!
- 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.
- Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania held its first Groundhog Day on February 2nd, 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?
