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What month do groundhogs hibernate?
Groundhogs begin hibernation mid October and emerge in February. Their burrow system is located about 2-4 feet underground and may extend 15-25 feet horizontally. The main groundhog nest chamber is usually located at the end of the burrow.
Do groundhogs sleep all winter?
Groundhog Activity Throughout the winter, they are inactive, their heart rates slow and their body temperatures drop to approximately 39-40 degrees Fahrenheit. So, exactly when do groundhogs hibernate? This is a several-month process extending from late October to early February, depending on their geographic location.
Do groundhogs come out in the cold?
Groundhogs are typically active until the first real frost of winter, often October or November. Then they crawl down into their burrows and begin to hibernate. This hibernation lasts until the weather starts to warm up, usually around February or March.
Do groundhogs hibernate in winter time?
Groundhogs, also called woodchucks, are the largest members of the squirrel family. Though they are usually seen on the ground, they can climb trees and are also capable swimmers. Since groundhogs truly hibernate during the winter, they spend the warmer month in preparation.
How do groundhogs spend their winter during hibernation?
How groundhogs spend their winter During hibernation, groundhogs live in burrows that they dig. Usually, these burrows will have piles of dirt near the opening. Throughout winter they remain inactive while their heart rates slow down along with a drop in body temperature.
When do groundhogs come out of their dens?
Yes. Groundhogs seek shelter in underground dens from October through February and this timing depends on geographic location (shorter duration of hibernation in southern, more temperate locations). During hibernation, their breathing and heart rate is decreased and they can lose more than half of their body weight.
How are groundhogs able to predict the weather?
Not great. Groundhogs have barely proven a 50% success rate in weather prediction. Thus, you shouldn’t depend on groundhogs in your backyard to clue you into weather patterns. During hibernation, groundhogs live in underground burrows that they dig (you may observe piles of dirt near the den opening).
What kind of habitat does a groundhog live in?
Like these relatives, groundhogs are powerful diggers that make large, complex underground burrows. These burrows are not only potentially helpful to soils for aeration and nutrient recycling, but they are often used by other burrowing animals such as foxes, opossums, raccoons, and skunks.