Groundhog Part 3

How do woodchucks benefit nature? While an over-population can damage crops, gardens and pastures, woodchucks are beneficial in moderate numbers. Their defecation inside the burrow fertilizes the earth; their digging loosens and aerates the soil, while their eating habits can determine which plants will grow. Abandoned burrows can be homes for other animals. Woodchucks can also be an important and abundant food source for large predators like hawks, owls and coyotes.

How do woodchucks benefit humans? At Cornell University, woodchucks have been studied for 15 years and have led researchers to discoveries in the treatment and prevention of hepatitis B infection
and the liver cancer it can cause. Woodchuck hepatitis B virus has a nearly identical effect on woodchuck livers as human hepatitis B virus does on human livers except that time is compressed. Disease processes that take 30-40 years in humans occur in 3-4 years in woodchucks. The only other model for HBV studies is the chimpanzee, an endangered species.

The Chattanooga Arboretum and Nature Center’s woodchuck was most likely hit by a car and suffered a broken pelvis which did not heal well enough for him to return to the wild. He lives at CA&NC as an animal ambassador and we use him in education programs to teach folks about his kind.

While the groundhog’s weather predictions are not always dependable, you can certainly see how important and unique groundhogs are. Next time you’re visiting Reflection Riding Arboretum and Nature Center, ask to see our whistlepig – our wildlife staff will be glad to show him off!