Happy Friday, Missians! But even more than that, it's Groundhog's Day!
Will Punxsutawney Phil see his shadow this year, condemning us to six more weeks of winter? Or will he turn a blind eye, leading us into the glorious arms of spring? Who knows? But we'll find out soon enough! Because D and I have already done a Missy Show episode on good ol' Punxsutawney Phil and his "predictions," today's post won't be about him specifically. You can catch that episode here:
http://www.blogtalkradio.com/shesatortie/2015/02/07/groundhog-madness-the-legend-of-punxsutawney-phil
Today we're discussing groundhogs in general. Since groundhogs do hibernate, they're a part of our Hibernation Nation, animal of the week series. So without further delay, here are today's Groundhog Facts. Today's facts are courtesy of Havahart:
http://www.havahart.com/groundhog-facts
Hibernation:
Groundhogs are true hibernators, entering a deep sleep in October and emerging in early spring. During hibernation, a groundhog's temperature drops from 99 degrees F to 40 degrees F, and its heartbeat slows from 80 beats per minute to 5. During this time, groundhogs survive on the fat reserves that they accumulate from their hefty summer and fall diets.
Activity:
Groundhogs are diurnal (active during the day), from spring to fall. Most activity occurs during the early morning and early evening hours, at which groundhogs emerge from their burrows to gather food.
Reproduction:
Mating season begins in early spring, once groundhogs emerge from hibernation. Mothers give birth to 2-4 kits, and these baby woodchucks remain with the mother for 2 months before becoming independent.
Burrowing:
With their long, sharp claws, groundhogs dig complex multi-chamber burrows that they use for hoarding food, nesting, and hibernating.
Socialization:
Groundhogs are mostly solitary animals, only seeking out other groundhogs to mate. However as a species, they work to protect each other. For example, they communicate with one another using high-pitched shrills to warn each other of approaching threats.
Fun Groundhog Facts:
Groundhogs are the largest species in the squirrel family.
Other names for groundhogs include woodchucks, whistle-pigs, and land-beavers.
Groundhogs are skilled climbers and swimmers, which helps them to escape less-skilled predators.
Groundhog burrows are so complex that each has its own "bathroom" chamber.
I hope you guys enjoyed these groundhog facts. Please check out Havahart for additional groundhog info.
Until next time,
This is your host J, signing off....
Will Punxsutawney Phil see his shadow this year, condemning us to six more weeks of winter? Or will he turn a blind eye, leading us into the glorious arms of spring? Who knows? But we'll find out soon enough! Because D and I have already done a Missy Show episode on good ol' Punxsutawney Phil and his "predictions," today's post won't be about him specifically. You can catch that episode here:
http://www.blogtalkradio.com/shesatortie/2015/02/07/groundhog-madness-the-legend-of-punxsutawney-phil
Today we're discussing groundhogs in general. Since groundhogs do hibernate, they're a part of our Hibernation Nation, animal of the week series. So without further delay, here are today's Groundhog Facts. Today's facts are courtesy of Havahart:
http://www.havahart.com/groundhog-facts
Hibernation:
Groundhogs are true hibernators, entering a deep sleep in October and emerging in early spring. During hibernation, a groundhog's temperature drops from 99 degrees F to 40 degrees F, and its heartbeat slows from 80 beats per minute to 5. During this time, groundhogs survive on the fat reserves that they accumulate from their hefty summer and fall diets.
Activity:
Groundhogs are diurnal (active during the day), from spring to fall. Most activity occurs during the early morning and early evening hours, at which groundhogs emerge from their burrows to gather food.
Reproduction:
Mating season begins in early spring, once groundhogs emerge from hibernation. Mothers give birth to 2-4 kits, and these baby woodchucks remain with the mother for 2 months before becoming independent.
Burrowing:
With their long, sharp claws, groundhogs dig complex multi-chamber burrows that they use for hoarding food, nesting, and hibernating.
Socialization:
Groundhogs are mostly solitary animals, only seeking out other groundhogs to mate. However as a species, they work to protect each other. For example, they communicate with one another using high-pitched shrills to warn each other of approaching threats.
Fun Groundhog Facts:
Groundhogs are the largest species in the squirrel family.
Other names for groundhogs include woodchucks, whistle-pigs, and land-beavers.
Groundhogs are skilled climbers and swimmers, which helps them to escape less-skilled predators.
Groundhog burrows are so complex that each has its own "bathroom" chamber.
I hope you guys enjoyed these groundhog facts. Please check out Havahart for additional groundhog info.
Until next time,
This is your host J, signing off....
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