Groundhogs are large ground squirrels that are referred to as Marmots. Legend has it that Punxsutawney Phil is actually immortal. Other names for groundhogs include woodchucks, whistle-pigs and land-beavers. Like these relatives, groundhogs are powerful diggers that make large, complex underground burrows. Groundhog Day is unlike any other holiday in the US.
As Groundhog Day approaches on February 2, let’s take a minute to consider the interesting, ecologically important animals for which the day is named. In captivity, groundhogs reportedly live up to 14 years. Groundhog is a better name for the animal than woodchuck as, despite the children’s rhyme, they’re not very adept at moving wood. While many Americans would recognize famed Punxsutawney Phil as a groundhog, they may not know much else about the species. Groundhog Day didn’t always involve groundhogs While hibernating, a woodchuck’s body temperature can drop from about 99 degrees to as low as 37 (Humans go into mild hypothermia when their body temperature drops a mere 3 degrees, lose consciousness at 82 degrees and face death … Here are 14 more believable facts about his species: 1. Capable of weighing up to 15 pounds, groundhogs are among the largest members of the squirrel family Sciuridae and within the taxonomic tribe of marmots or ground squirrels—a group that also includes chipmunks and prairie dogs. While being an amusing (non-scientific) tradition check out our list below of 5 fun facts you may not know about groundhogs. When a groundhog commits to something, he commits. A small rodent comes out of the burrow, looks for its shadow, and based on it, predicts the end of winters. Top 10 Damn Interesting Facts About Groundhog Day Groundhog Day Has a Fascinating History Behind Its Origin. Y ou probably know the gist of Groundhog Day: Each Feb. 2, America’s most famous groundhog, Punxsutawney Phil, emerges from his burrow, and looks for his shadow. However, there’s a lot more to Groundhog Day than the simple facts and folklore everyone knows. Although they are usually seen on the ground, they can climb trees and swim. In the spring and summer, he commits to eating – a lot of eating!
Its marmot relatives live in rocky, mountainous regions, but groundhogs … Though they will chew on the stuff. Constant usage wears them down again by about that much each week. Groundhogs are skilled climbers and swimmers, which helps them to escape less-skilled predators.
Adults measure from 41.8 to 68.5 cm (16.5 to 27 in) in total length including a tail of 9.5 to 18.7 cm (3.7 to 7.4 in). 1.