James L. Cummins

The Groundhog by James L. Cummins

Recognized for the appearance it makes every February 2, the groundhog is a large rodent also known for its burrowing habits and destructive behavior. Groundhogs, sometimes known as woodchucks, are 1 of 14 species of marmots. The groundhog can weigh up to 15 pounds and grows to an average of 20 inches in length with a 6- to 7-inch tail. 

It is easily identified by its brown fur; short, strong legs with sharp, curved claws; round body with a small, bushy tail; small, round eyes with ears sitting atop its flat head; and two long, ever-growing incisors. The groundhog is the largest member of the squirrel family and is commonly seen on the ground; however, they can also climb trees and are efficient swimmers. 

Found in the majority of the central and eastern United States, including Mississippi, these rodents are considered an “edge” species, preferring interposed areas where forest or woodlands meet a well-vegetated open field or meadow. The groundhog spends most of its time underground in complex burrow systems dug with their long, sharp claws in dry, well-drained soils. The burrows are often found in areas with nearby cover such as hedgerows, fencerows, trees, along foundations of buildings and other structures, near streams with heavy surrounding vegetation, and roads. 

The groundhog is a grand opportunist, gorging itself in the summer and fall in order to build fat reserves for winter. Considered herbivores, the groundhog typically eats approximately a third of its weight. Some of their preferred foods include carrot tops, dandelions, flowers, apples, garden vegetables, clover, bark, beans, and peas–along with the occasional insect. The intense burrowing of the groundhog can pose a very real threat to residential and agricultural areas. 

To identify groundhog damage, look for mounds of soil outside a burrow entrance; deep holes in the ground; wide teeth marks on vegetation; damaged or hollowed out crops; chewed tubing, wires, or irrigation systems; and tracks (five toes on the front foot and four on the back with profound claw markings). After the first frost, the groundhog retreats to its underground burrow and hibernates for the winter. During hibernation, which begins in October, a groundhog’s temperature drops from 99⁰F to 40⁰F, and its heartbeat slows from around 80 beats per minute to 5 beats per minute. 

It is this hibernation that gave rise to the popular custom of Groundhog Day. It is believed that if a groundhog awakens from hibernation and sees its shadow on that fateful day, there will be six more weeks of winter; if not, then spring is soon to arrive. The arrival of spring is the beginning of mating season for the groundhog. An anti-social animal, the groundhog seeks companionship solely for the purpose of mating. Mothers can give birth to up to 10 kits. The newborns are born completely hairless and about the size of a small matchbox car.

Natchez Collision Center provides its customers with professional auto body repair services. Owned by Ben and Bubba Wroten, they and their team of expert body and paint men specialize in restoring slightly to severely damaged vehicles, making them look as good as new. Insurance claims welcome. Estimates provided. Precision paint and body work. 24 Hour Towing service. 

Call 601-445-0473 for all of your auto body repair and painting needs. Stop by their shop and offices at 386 Liberty Road. And as Fall and cooler weather approach, please drive slowly and carefully. Deer run especially near dawn, dusk and overnight. The more cautiously you drive, the better chance you have of avoiding a serious accident. Safe driving!

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