Groundhog Part 2

What’s going on in that burrow? In addition to using the burrow for regular daily life and rearing young, one time each year the groundhog hibernates in its den. Besides bats, groundhogs are the only true hibernators in our area. The groundhog packs on the fat in late summer and when the temperature drops, and the groundhog’s internal clock goes off, it goes into its burrow and seals itself in a lower chamber called a hibernaculum. Its breathing and heart rate plunge to astonishingly low levels. It takes only 1 breath every 6 minutes, has 1 heart beat every 4-5 minutes, and its body temperature drops to 40’ F! About every two weeks or so, it must wake up to move around a bit and eliminate its waste.

What’s the wakeup call? The groundhog’s internal clock is believed to be affected by changes in sunlight. Hormonal responses are thought to trigger the body to hibernate and then to come out of their hibernaculum near February 2. Groundhog Day is a cross-quarter day about halfway between the winter solstice in December and the vernal equinox in March; we can refer to it as the midpoint of winter.

What’s the scoop on Groundhog Day? Thousands of years ago, folks in Germany believed the badger had the power to predict the coming of spring. They watched the badger to know when to plant their crops. By the time the first Germans settled in Pennsylvania, they most likely understood that this was not true, but the tradition continued. There were no badgers in Pennsylvania so they substituted the groundhog. Tradition says that if the groundhog sees its shadow on February 2, it will be frightened and return to its burrow for 6 more weeks of winter. If it does not see his shadow, then spring is near.

What’s for dinner? Greens! Dandelion, clover and plantain are favorites. In early spring when greens are not readily available, they may eat bark, buds and twigs of shrubs and fruit trees. The CA&NC groundhog eats rodent block, a variety of greens, fruits and veggies.

How do they communicate? In addition to the whistle used as an alarm, teeth grinding and chattering are common when they feel cornered. Groundhogs have also been seen barking and squealing. They may also rub each other’s cheeks where their scent glands are located. Our groundhog smells very earthy near his cheeks!