Groundhogs More Than Weather Predictors
Groundhog Day has come and past. Sadly, the groundhog is said to have seen its shadow again. In Iowa, U.S.A., temperatures were in the low single digits or tens farenheit(however, they are supposed to get a little warmer this weekend). As much as they are pushed into the spotlight, the famous groundhogs of Pennsylvania are only a small fraction of the total population of this interesting creature. An estimated 200 million of these creatures exist in North America, and they are much more fascinating creatures than simply posing at weather forecasters one day every year. Here are some interesting facts about groundhogs, which are also considered woodchucks.
Versatile Creatures
Groundhogs are very versatile creatures. Related to squirrels and other ground-dwelling creatures like prairie dogs, they can climb trees, scurry quickly on the ground, and also swim. Groundhogs love to scavenge numerous plants, which can explain how they commingle well with human societies. They are often troublesome to farmers as they are known to pillage soybean crops or vegetable gardens. However, just as farmers may start to consider them a nuisance, groundhogs may also change their menus and feast on insects, grubs, or snails. Their high variety of food diet works well for them during hibernation season, when they must eat larger amounts to allow for a long winter nap. They are known to be true hibernators — often sleeping for months at a time as their bodies drop to low temperatures.
True and Brilliant Architects
Groundhogs spend less time running from their own shadows and much more time digging complex burrow homes underground. Groundhog burrows are known to have multiple chambers and entrances. Entrances are dug as tunnels that can be dozens of feet long. A typical burrow is essentially home to just one female groundhog until the season comes for a male to come visit. Then, the burrow can become home to the mother’s numerous newborn kits. In the hibernation months, the burrow’s main resident rests in the lowest chamber while other wildlife may briefly occupy the upper chambers.
Groundhogs and Humans Can Coexist Well
Despite groundhogs’ occasional looting of human gardens and crops, groundhogs and humans can get along quite well. Tragically, other similar creatures like prairie dogs have faced major threats from human development and a profound decline in population. How do groundhogs fare better? Given that their dwellings are largely underground and that they hibernate for long periods of the year, groundhogs do not typically come into contact with humans. And there are numerous humane and nature-friendly ways humans can protect from groundhogs unintentionally become squatters in their homes or outside spaces. Ensuring houses have no major holes or breaks in foundation or walls can help humans keep groundhogs from cohabiting their homes. Additionally, numerous protective barriers around gardens and crops can detract the scavengers from seeking a fancy feast. Let us pray humans and groundhogs can continue coexisting well for the generations and centuries to come.
Groundhog Sees Its Shadow
Given the sophisticated and amazing unknown life of the wonderful groundhog, it is easier to see that North American’s (and traditionally European’s) reliance on the groundhog to predict weather patterns is perhaps more than mere superstition. In Pennsylvania, Punxsutawney Phil saw his shadow this past Thursday(as he did in 2021 and 2022). Perhaps this is not so bad considering in 2020 when the groundhog did not see his shadow it coincided with the commencement of the horrendous covid pandemic. Perhaps the next few years a longer winter will be better than an early spring(at least socially, culturally, and spiritually if not in physical weather) as our world learns how to get on with things after such tumultous encounters. Perhaps as we continue into a very different future we can take a few lessons from the groundhog. Among them include the realization that more restful activities (though not exactly too much sleep as this carries numerous health risks for humans) and that sharing extra spaces and resources with our fellow creatures are essential.
