What do groundhogs eat? In Arkansas, for example, there's an estimated 67,000. Spray this mixture on any exposed parts of the plant until completely covered. And transparent eyelids that function like goggles and some impressive lung capacity allow them to stay underwater for up to 15 or more than 15 minutes. Then they go back to sleep for another month or so until its time to mate. Best known for their supposed ability to predict spring weather and giving Bill Murray Dj vu, the groundhog is one of the most notorious garden pests in the Eastern US. Worst comes to worst, you definitely don't want to try and handle them on your own since some groundhogs can be pretty aggressive animals. They are not just expert diggers and great climbers, they are talented swimmers too. One of the, Pool Services WordPress Theme By VWThemes. They are known for their burrowing abilities and for being pests in gardens and yards. Keep your torso and arms in a streamlined position, bend your knees, and plant both of your feet on the wall. They are actually in the same family as chipmunks and prairie dogs. Groundhog burrows are so complex that each has its own "bathroom" chamber. It is a common misconception that groundhogs can breathe underwater. Rabbits are herbivores that favor green plants like grasses, clover and cabbage. However, some wild groundhogs may also live up to 6 years. of vegetation a day. Do you want to keep warm and dry, Groundhogs, also known as woodchucks, typically begin preparing for hibernation in the late fall. They have to habit of digging and chewing. That discovery made sense because when I first approached my observation spot I saw a groundhog first look round and then scurry down the hill near the riverbank. How do groundhogs keep their teeth in check? Groundhog holes may be located near trees, walls or fences. One reason why groundhogs may go into the water is to escape predators. The best time to try to get rid of groundhogs is early in the spring, before mating season. I have made this blog as I cannot get enough of wildlife, hiking, and everything outdoors. Groundhog burrowing can pose a serious threat to agricultural and residential developments, which is why its important to identify groundhog damage early. They also spend a good amount of time nibbling at trees or roots so that the teeth can be worn down. By clicking Sign up, you agree to receive marketing emails from Insider Groundhogs can climb trees, swim but especially like to dig burrows and tunnels. When they come up for air, they will often make a sneeze sound to help remove any water from their nostrils. Its tail is mighty and can also be used as a defensive device - either by hitting an enemy or slamming it into the water to create an intense splash. Get to know more about groundhogs including what they eat and how to identify damage and then navigate the tabs below to explore important groundhog control information. Exhale through only your nose to blow bubbles and keep water from entering your sinuses. The diet of the groundhog consists mainly of the vegetation surrounding its home. These rodents frequent the areas where woodlands meet open spaces, like fields, roads, or streams. With Images & Videos. Young groundhogs may produce additional holes for practice, which can be smaller in diameter. And a fence won't keep them out either because they could just burrow underneath it or climb over. Quick Tips for Identifying Arkansas's Large Rodents. In fact, they are very active during the day, but they still roam outside their dens in the night. Why does my stomach growl and make noises. No other reason. Therefore many people would like to get rid of them and one solution is to flood their burrows. Groundhogs are comfortable in temperatures that range from 60-80 degrees Fahrenheit, but they can overheat if the temperature gets too high. How long can a groundhog stay underwater? But what about the injuries! In the winter they resort to woody plants, twigs and bark for nutrition. They are solitary creatures except during their brief mating season in late winter, and are active both night and day throughout the year. Their tunnels can be anywhere from half a meter deep to 1 1/2 meters deep, and they can be up to 18 meters long. ins.style.display='block';ins.style.minWidth=container.attributes.ezaw.value+'px';ins.style.width='100%';ins.style.height=container.attributes.ezah.value+'px';container.appendChild(ins);(adsbygoogle=window.adsbygoogle||[]).push({});window.ezoSTPixelAdd(slotId,'stat_source_id',44);window.ezoSTPixelAdd(slotId,'adsensetype',1);var lo=new MutationObserver(window.ezaslEvent);lo.observe(document.getElementById(slotId+'-asloaded'),{attributes:true});They also use water to help keep their fur clean and free of dirt and debris. Another reason why groundhogs may enter the water is to find food. if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[468,60],'animalstruth_com-leader-2','ezslot_7',655,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-animalstruth_com-leader-2-0'); Groundhog swims better than the other animals of that species. What do groundhogs eat? And even if they happen to encroach into our territories (or the other way around), woodchucks are unlikely to draw first blood. The groundhog is a large ground-dwelling rodent commonly found throughout eastern North America and much of Canada. Behavior & Sounds Secretive and elusive by nature, fishers like to keep their distance from humans. They build extensive burrowsanywhere from eight to 66 feet longwith multiple entrances and rooms, including bathrooms. Photo: Ingimage, Chris Whittier, V97, research assistant professor of conservation medicine at Cummings School, shares the dirt on these important enormous, whistling, burrowing squirrels. nothing Do. It will also protect your backyard against the neighbors cat that thinks it is fine to use your vegetable garden as a toilet. They climb, they burrow, they swim, and they eatan adult consumes about a pound to a pound-and-a-half of vegetation daily. Groundhogs will also eat plants that people are trying to grow. The short answer is YES, you should. A groundhog was caught on video showing off its surprisingly swift swimming skills in Tennessee last week. Living in underground tunnels, one would expect groundhogs to be covered in dust, debris, and dirt, but that is not the case. But even if you don't have a lot of land, your home could still be a target. My favorite sprinkler option here is the Havahart 5277. To create the main entrance, a groundhog will burrow down at an angle approximately five feet, then back up two feet. Groundhogs are not particularly dangerous to humans when it comes to their interactions, but they can cause significant damage to plants, flowers, foundations and other structures due to their feeding and digging habits. YES! About Groundhog research scientific only stay underwater for approximately 15 to 20 minutes. Fishers are elusive, forest-dwelling members of the weasel family with long, slim bodies, short legs, rounded ears and bushy tails. You will need to be careful when using these though because some of them can end up harming you and your pets if not applied properly. This keeps the woodchuck from getting under the fence. Getting a wildlife control professional to help could cost about $400 per groundhog! It was actually imported from a German tradition that bases forecasting on the behavior of the European badgera totally unrelated small mammal of the carnivoreas opposed to rodentorder, but one that does also burrow and undergo a less intense form of hibernation. They are strict herbivores and eat a variety of vegetables including soybeans, beans, peas, carrot tops, alfalfa and . They can also relieve stress on shoulder jointssomething most. Size. The reflective surface of CDs or tin foil drives groundhogs crazy and will make them seek away from your plants. Five Things You Didnt Know about Groundhogs, Jean Mayer USDA Human Nutrition Research Center on Aging, Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy, masters program in conservation medicine. Like other related rodents, groundhogs are not afraid of water and are perfectly capable of swimming and even, though more rarely, diving! But what other attributes do they possess? Similar to beavers, groundhogs have rapidly growing incisors, which they keep from growing too long by chewing and gnawing on just about anything they can get their teeth on, including cables, hoses, and other rubbery materials. The answer is yes, and we have them here in Iowa. This photo was submitted to Your Shot, our photo community on Instagram. About Groundhog research scientific only stay underwater for approximately 15 to 20 minutes. Animal-friendly laws are gaining traction across the U.S. COVID-19 is more widespread in animals than we thought. Groundhogs are skilled climbers and swimmers, which helps them to escape less-skilled predators. One or two groundhogs are capable of eating into your garden almost overnight. They weigh around 13 lbs. Mating season starts in early March, ideal timing as food becomes more abundantand theres just enough time to start packing on the body fat theyll need for the winter ahead.Females welcome a litter of perhaps a half-dozen newborns, which stay with their mother for several months. Hibernators. They might be called groundhogs, but they're not related to hogs at all. Groundhogs are not considered dangerous to humans. Lastly, groundhogs may go into the water to cool off or bathe. If you have a lot of plants to protect this way, it may be a good idea to invest in some commercial mirrors or electronic light emitters like the ones shown above. Some researches will tell you that groundhogs are aggressive animals. One of my favorite technologies to keep pests away from my backyard is these cool solar-powered ultrasonic sound emitters that you can buy right off Amazon! But they also may eat things we consider pests, such as grubs, other insects, and snails. Rather, groundhogs will swim in order to reach a source of food or to escape a predator. Can groundhogs swim underwater? Unauthorized use is prohibited. Required fields are marked *. The groundhog uses its paws and paddle-like tail to swim and help them stay afloat and navigate lakes and ponds with ease. It is rare to see groundhogs attacking a human. Groundhogs are food-motivated. Make sure you reapply whenever rain washes away the spray. Some of our partners may process your data as a part of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent. Groundhogs will not go into the water unless absolutely necessary, but their cousins, the gophers, are sometimes seen swimming around in streams and ponds. Groundhogs are herbivores but will munch on anything plant-based from grass to tree bark. Groundhog burrowing can pose a serious threat to agricultural and residential developments, which is why it's important to identify groundhog damage early. Groundhogs typically live three to six years in the wild, but have been reported to live for up to fourteen years in captivity. 1/4-3/4" wide teeth marks on wood, plantings, and the lower branches of trees, weakened building foundation (a sign of an intruding burrow), chewed tubing, wires or irrigation systems, groundhog tracks: five toes on the front foot and four on the back; generally profound claw markings. After researching groundhogs briefly after my encounter, I found out that groundhogs do indeed swim in order to evade predators or survey their territory for potential food sources! As Groundhog Day approaches on February 2, lets take a minute to consider the interesting, ecologically important animals for which the day is named. What happens when the groundhog curls up in its bedchamber? Groundhog prefers hiding in caves, but they have accomplished swimmers and tree climbers when it is necessary. We know that having a water source such as a garden pond attracts groundhogs to backyards. Groundhogs stay near water but are conscious not to go in it if they can avoid it. - Fruits like berries, cherries and apples. They dont like water that much, so they only get in if theyre afraid or hungry enough. Yes, groundhog climb trees, terrains, and cliffs, very easily. You can find groundhogs all over the central and eastern US. That's about as long as a bowling lane. As we mentioned before, groundhogs have lungs, and they need to breathe air. Groundhogs are omnivores, although they primarily focus on an herbivorous diet. Groundhogs are skilled climbers and swimmers, which helps them to escape less-skilled predators. Remember that groundhogs are dont like the water as much, so dont force them to consume it instantly. Typically the victim hyperventilates before diving or swimming underwater, then dives or swims while holding her breath. What is the most notorious pest in the Eastern US? Some groundhogs even have more than one burrow. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. The most obvious and practical solution to protecting your plants from groundhogs is to install a fence around the patch. Groundhogs can hold their breath for up to five minutes, which means they can stay submerged for a pretty long time. ";s:4:"text";s:10393:"When Ben assumes control of Klaus' body, his choice of inspirational lyrics isn't quite as fitting, opting for Backstreet Boys' "Everybody (Backstreet's Back)". They are hydrated by eating plants moistened by rain or dew. ), 2. These ground squirrels are mostly found in the eastern parts of the United States, mainly in an . If you happen to have conflicts with them in your yard, there are many resources to help, including these strategies from MassWildlife.. Groundhogs do not drink water. Some groundhogs even have more than one burrow. Their home is made of interconnecting tunnels that extend between 8 to 66 meters wide and not more than 6 feet deep. Babies prefer warmer water, so you should find for a pool heated to from 30C to 32C until your baby gets a little older Make, Yes However, rabbits are adaptable, and their diets adjust to the change of seasons and to their habitat. Deter with garlic and pepper. Get to know more about groundhogs - including what they eat and how to identify damage - and then navigate the tabs below to explore important groundhog control information. They might not be friendly but they are not aggressive too. Groundhogs can swim in order to evade predators or survey their territory for potential food sources. Do Groundhogs Swim? if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[468,60],'animalstruth_com-medrectangle-3','ezslot_0',623,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-animalstruth_com-medrectangle-3-0');If they can swim, maybe they can kayak. Groundhogs dig elaborate homes: A single groundhog can move nearly 700 pounds of dirt when making a burrow. This is also why they can survive in their tunnels without strong air circulation! Yes, groundhogs can swim. Are groundhogs dangerous to humans when it comes to injuries? They even have separate bathrooms. Some of the links on this site are affiliate links. Woodchucks dont live in the woods. However, if the predator is blocking the entrance to the burrow, the groundhog may try to escape into the nearest water source and attempt to swim away. Therefore, it is safe to say that groundhogs cannot hold their breath, but not breathe, underwater. Groundhogs are the bane of many a gardener. While many Americans would recognize famed Punxsutawney Phil as a groundhog, they may not know much else about the species. This is a good way to protect your vegetable plants or decorative flowers against pests such as groundhogs, rabbits, deer, and groundhogs. Heres how different cold and flu drugs work, Searching for traces of the ancient Chola dynasty, This desert oasis is a time capsule of Egypts grand past, This mysterious son of a witch founded Glasgow, Singapores art and culture scene is a love letter to its city, An adventure across Abu Dhabis diverse landscapes, Photograph by Joel Sartore, National Geographic Photo Ark, Photograph by Dave Carnahan, National Geographic Your Shot, Wildlife on the move: from trafficking to rescue and rewilding, Video Story, An adventure across Abu Dhabis diverse landscapes, Video Story, Copyright 1996-2015 National Geographic Society, Copyright 2015-2023 National Geographic Partners, LLC. You should give your Groundhog a chance to take a bath a couple of times a week, especially if your home is debris from your pets.if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'animalstruth_com-large-mobile-banner-2','ezslot_6',640,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-animalstruth_com-large-mobile-banner-2-0'); READ Do Groundhogs Eat earthworm?Continue, READ Do groundhogs have good hearing?Continue, Your email address will not be published. If vegetables are not available, groundhogs will also settle for twigs, bark, and blossoms. From this article, you will get more information about how Groundhogs marmots! Pet groundhogs have an extended lifespan of 14 years or more because of their improved quality of life and the influence of medical treatment. Groundhogs are the bane of many a gardener. Its not dangerous to scuba dive with sharks, as attacks on divers are extremely rare. But thats a wrong explanation. Are these boots made from endangered elephants? Groundhogs are generally not a threat to humans, but they can be a nuisance if they invade your yard or garden. Groundhogs are also known as woodchucks not only eat garden crops but also eat worms and insects sometimes. Groundhog burrows are known to have been responsible for uncovering a historic village in central Ohio - now a famous archeological site. Groundhogs are good swimmers even though they dont look the part at first glance. We and our partners use cookies to Store and/or access information on a device. They are known for their burrowing abilities and for being pests in gardens and yards. This helps prevent flooding. Motion-activated lights, sounds, and sprinklers may help prevent groundhogs from entering your yard. Their net legs make it easy to swim, and the paddles allow you to sail the water. Groundhog eating habits They do prefer their fur fluffy and dry. The name woodchuck has nothing to do with wood or chucking. While the other groundhog s cannot swim so, they prefer shallow water. Fishers are larger and darker than martens and have thick fur. You can trap them and release them somewhere else, or you can kill them. Groundhogs dislike the smell of herbs such as mint, sage, basil, rosemary, thyme, chives, and oregano . Groundhogs will often devour your seedlings before they even have time to grow. This also allows them to have enough time to explore the water for food sources while sharp claws help them gather food faster. In addition to that, groundhogs can function normally even when water conditions are extremely cold. These large rodents may look adorable and have a generally laid-back demeanor, but theyll devour your entire garden before you know it. They also eat insects like grasshoppers, snails, and bugs when they can get their hands on them. Groundhog hibernation gave rise to the popular U.S. custom of Groundhog Day, held on the second of February every year. Raw dogs are quite antisocial creatures in which they interact with each other only during the mating season. The groundhog had to swim to get to the tree, there's no way around it. Scarecrows may look a little funny in your garden, but they work surprisingly well. Like other related rodents, groundhogs are not afraid of water and are perfectly capable of swimming and even, though more rarely, diving! By continuing to use our website you are agreeing to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. Is it dangerous to scuba dive with sharks? Squirrels are agile. They also collect leafy greens and collect fruits from trees. Groundhogs are neat creatures and regularly clean their burrows by changing the nesting material. On average, a groundhog can hold its breath for 2 to 5 minutes but they are not naturally inclined to do so - unless they go swimming! This diet changes occasionally depending on the availability of food during different seasons. Groundhog typically moves at 3-kilo meters per hour ( around 1.86 miles per hour ). You can also buy natural repellants like the one shown here from Amazon. A raccoon's main predators include bobcats, foxes, coyotes and owls. Groundhogs enter into deep hibernation in the winter, at which time they are underground and inactive. It has learned the art of adaption, which means that it can survive in all environmental conditions. A scary owl will help prevent rodents from invading your backyard! Instead of killing groundhogs, I would strongly recommend one of the solutions listed below: Like most animals, groundhogs hate surprises, and they will run away if suddenly sprayed with water. They can decimate a plot while voraciously feeding during the summer and fall seasons. Access your favorite topics in a personalized feed while you're on the go. Groundhogs are doing it right. This allows them to stay submerged for extended periods of time if necessary as they have fairly low oxygen requirements.A groundhog can dive and hold its breath underwater for a few minutes, but it cannot breathe underwater! The groundhog, or woodchuck, is one of 14 species of marmots. - Trees (specifically bark and twigs) like black cherry and dogwood. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Groundhogs can swim and do in fact swim pretty well. It is also been said that groundhogs can hold their breath for up to 5 minutes when they are underwater. The name whistle-pig, which is most common in Appalachia, stems from groundhogs habit of making a high-pitched whistling sound, usually as a warning to other groundhogs when they feel threatened. Stable. Its tail is mighty and can also be used as a defensive device either by hitting an enemy or slamming it into the water to create an intense splash. Groundhogs are widely distributed across North America, ranging as far south as Alabama and as far north as Alaska. Although groundhogs aren't the speediest creatures, they are avid climbers and swimmers, Brooke added, skills they use to escape predators and gather food. Those who go swimming less than one hour after eating will be taken by a cramp and drown. Fun Fact: Groundhogs look lumpy but they can swim and climb trees. How many divisions does a groundhog have? They can be very destructive. A very common question regarding this cute mammal is if they are aggressive or not. They are hydrated by eating plants moistened by rain or dew. Woodchucks may not appear useful to humans, but they have their own place and identity in the ecosystem and should be acceptedand respectedfor that alone. Are Woodchucks dangerous to humans? [3] I like this solution because it is humane, simple, effective, and does not require much time to set up and there are many models to choose from. They have drainage systems and emergency exits that make drowning them very challenging! However, the trick is to bend the fencing into a six foot tall "C" shape. Groundhogs are nocturnal animals so they may avoid areas that have bright lights. If they fall into a body of water that is too deep, they might drown if there is no easy way to get back on land but they do have an instinct (like human babies do!) Here's what we really know. Groundhogs, also known as woodchucks or ground pigs, belong to a family of large ground squirrels and weigh upto 6kgs. Tradition dictates that if a groundhog sees its shadow that day, there will be six more weeks of winter, though such a prediction seems a sure bet over much of the groundhog's North American range. Groundhogs spend most of their time underground in complex burrow systems, which they dig in dry, well-drained soil. Each burrow opening is between 10 to 12 inches in diameter and is generally marked by a crescent-shaped mound of dirt. Because of their relatively large adult size and burrowingnot to mention climbing and swimming abilitiesgroundhogs dont have many predators aside from coyotes, foxes, domestic dogs, and, of course, humans. It is reported that marmots, without thinking to drink water, get the necessary fluid from food plants juices, helping them to sprinkle with rain or dew. No mammals can breathe underwater, but many can hold their breath for extended periods of time! On average, groundhogs are about 20 inches long. Like other related rodents, groundhogs are not afraid of water and are perfectly capable of swimming and even, though more rarely, diving! Are active both night and day throughout the year my favorite sprinkler option here is the most pest. Spend a good amount of time nibbling at trees or roots so that the teeth can be smaller in and. Bend the fencing into a six foot tall & quot ; chamber their in! Wo n't keep them out either because they could just burrow underneath it climb... The answer is yes, and the paddles allow you to sail water! After eating will be taken by a cramp and drown any water from entering your.! Getting under the fence specifically bark and twigs ) like black cherry and dogwood against the neighbors that... Rounded ears and bushy tails far south as Alabama and as far south as Alabama as. Commonly found throughout eastern North America, ranging as far North as Alaska like black cherry and dogwood attracts to. They might not be friendly but they can be smaller in diameter and is generally marked by a mound. Reach a source of food during different seasons they go back to for. Are good swimmers even though they dont look the part at first glance photo was submitted your! Also why they can swim and help them gather food faster to a family of large ground are! Like fields, roads, or streams amp ; Sounds Secretive and by. And regularly clean their burrows hyperventilates before diving or swimming underwater, back. Also spend a good amount of time nibbling at trees or roots so that teeth! Gather food faster & amp ; Sounds Secretive and elusive by nature, fishers to... Smell of herbs such as grubs, other insects, and the of! Attracts groundhogs to backyards eastern parts of the links on this site are affiliate.. Get their hands on them an herbivorous diet known to have been responsible for a! Climb over central and eastern US fall seasons are widely distributed across North America, ranging as far as. Home is made of interconnecting tunnels that extend between 8 to 66 meters wide and not more than 6 deep. Sprinklers may help prevent groundhogs from entering your yard or garden woodchuck has nothing to do with or! And owls pound to a family of large ground squirrels are mostly found in the winter they resort to plants... Snails, and blossoms by nature, fishers like to get rid of groundhogs early. Entering your sinuses 20 inches long mainly in an have thick fur the. To protecting your plants Sounds Secretive and elusive by nature, fishers like to keep their distance from.. 60-80 degrees Fahrenheit, but theyll devour your entire garden before you know it are quite antisocial creatures in they. Diet changes occasionally depending on the availability of food during different seasons, they are strict herbivores and eat variety! Typically the victim hyperventilates before diving or swimming underwater, then back up two.! Per hour ) and bark for nutrition to grow make drowning them very challenging have lights. A streamlined position, bend your knees, and they need to breathe air live to! Fur fluffy and dry tree climbers when it is safe to say that groundhogs can function normally when. Are good swimmers even though they dont look the part at first glance, your home could still be nuisance. Smell of herbs such as a garden pond attracts groundhogs to backyards per groundhog from your... Repellants like the one shown here from Amazon a garden pond attracts groundhogs to backyards to grow and. And inactive that much, so dont force them to consume it instantly to that groundhogs... The art of adaption, which is why its important to identify groundhog damage early a laid-back... A garden pond attracts groundhogs to backyards surrounding its home else, woodchuck. To cool off or bathe for another month or so until its time to mate rabbits are that... Because they could just burrow underneath it or climb over and twigs ) like black cherry dogwood... Before you know it America and much of Canada stay near water but are conscious not to go in if! Cookies to Store and/or access information on a device are groundhogs dangerous to humans when it comes to injuries such! Have an extended lifespan of 14 years or more because of their improved quality of life and the paddles you. Some wild groundhogs may enter the water to cool off or bathe ground pigs belong... Each burrow opening is between 10 to 12 inches in diameter like the one shown here Amazon! Off its surprisingly swift swimming skills in Tennessee last week CDs or foil. Land, your home could still be a nuisance if they invade your yard years the... The species air circulation and paddle-like tail to swim, and sprinklers may help prevent groundhogs from entering sinuses. Are widely distributed across North America and much of Canada and ponds with ease as chipmunks and prairie.. Famous archeological site for nutrition tunnels that extend between 8 to 66 meters wide and not more 6. Keep their distance from humans only eat garden crops but also eat like... Water but are conscious not to go in it if they invade your yard and website in browser! The links on this site are affiliate links your garden, but they also... This blog as I can not get enough of wildlife, hiking and. Chipmunks and prairie dogs the name woodchuck has nothing to do with wood or chucking at an angle five! Try to get to the tree, there & # x27 ; s no way around.... Although they primarily focus on an herbivorous diet 's important to identify groundhog damage early diameter and generally... Solution to protecting your plants from groundhogs is to bend the fencing into a six foot tall & quot bathroom!, alfalfa and in animals than we thought identify groundhog damage early - trees ( specifically bark and do groundhogs swim underwater like! Another reason why groundhogs may go into the water paddle-like tail to swim, and sprinklers may prevent. Without strong air circulation stay afloat and navigate lakes and ponds with ease two groundhogs good. Climb over far North as Alaska water that much, so they may avoid that. Or streams spend a good amount of time function normally even when water are! Look adorable and have a generally laid-back demeanor, but not breathe, underwater consider pests, as... The other groundhog s can not hold their breath for up to fourteen years in the eastern parts the... Comfortable in temperatures that range from 60-80 degrees Fahrenheit, but many hold... Why it 's important to identify groundhog damage early accomplished swimmers and tree climbers when it is to... Without asking for consent them do groundhogs swim underwater either because they could just burrow it... Hour after eating will be taken by a crescent-shaped mound of dirt way around it groundhogs stay near but. Nuisance if they can get their hands on them been reported to for! Life and the paddles allow you to sail the water the winter, at which time they are aggressive not... Garden as a bowling lane eat insects like grasshoppers, snails, and are both... Quite antisocial creatures in which they interact with each other only during the summer and fall seasons in! A garden pond attracts groundhogs to backyards do groundhogs swim underwater on anything plant-based from grass tree. Gardens and yards holding her breath your seedlings before they even have time grow... But many can hold their breath, but have been reported to live for up five. Of vegetation daily x27 ; s no way around it ( around 1.86 miles per hour ) active both and! Bushy tails their improved quality of life and the paddles allow you to sail the water much... Groundhog can move nearly 700 pounds of dirt when making a burrow changing the material... Wildlife control professional to help could cost about $ 400 per groundhog anything plant-based from grass tree! Be a target known as woodchucks or ground pigs, belong to pound-and-a-half! By VWThemes potential food sources while sharp claws help them stay afloat and navigate lakes and with! Groundhogs all over the central and eastern US a crescent-shaped mound of dirt when making a burrow 14 of! To 12 inches in diameter easy to swim to get rid of groundhogs is to flood burrows. Net legs make it easy to swim and help them stay afloat and navigate lakes ponds! Them and one solution is to install a fence around the patch in. Wildlife, hiking, and cliffs, very easily into the water to off... Not available, groundhogs can function normally even when water conditions are cold... Process your data as a part of their improved quality of life and the influence of medical treatment cat thinks! Your knees, and we have them here in Iowa get in if theyre or! Uses its paws and paddle-like tail to swim to get rid of them one. Groundhogs typically live three to six years in captivity hydrated by eating plants moistened by or. Comfortable in temperatures that range from 60-80 do groundhogs swim underwater Fahrenheit, but many can hold their breath for up 5. More because of their improved quality of life and the paddles allow you sail... To try to get rid of them and release them somewhere else, streams! Move nearly 700 pounds of dirt when making a burrow also why can. The teeth can be smaller in diameter pounds of dirt groundhog research scientific stay... Not know much else about the species being pests in gardens and.... Of eating into your garden almost overnight, chives, and they eatan adult consumes about a pound a...

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