Woodchuck (Groundhog)
Marmota monax
Status
Common
Size
Length: 16–27 inches; weight: 4–14 pounds
Distribution
Statewide
Much like squirrels, a close family member, woodchucks, or groundhogs, are common Missouri rodents. Woodchucks have short, powerful legs and a medium-long, bushy, but somewhat flattened tail. They are known to emit a loud, shrill whistle when alarmed, contributing to their nickname, whistle pig.
Foods
Woodchucks are almost completely vegetarians, eating leaves, flowers, and soft stems of various grasses; field crops such as clover and alfalfa; many kinds of wild herbs; and garden crops like peas, beans, and corn. They occasionally climb trees to obtain apples and pawpaws.
Life Cycle
Woodchucks hibernate from late October to sometime in February when they emerge to breed. After approximately 33 days of gestation, a single, annual litter of two to nine young arrives toward the end of March. By midsummer, the young weigh about 4 pounds and may dig temporary burrows before moving farther away to establish their own homes. The lifespan is usually only 2 or 3 years in the wild.
Human Connections
As one of the few large mammals active in daylight, many people enjoy seeing them. Today, Feb. 2 is the well-known date for Groundhog Day, when groundhogs supposedly emerge from their dens and either ”see their shadows” or not. If it’s sunny, the groundhog supposedly sees its shadow and returns to its burrow to continue hibernation, knowing there will be six more weeks of winter. But if it’s cloudy, then winter weather is over, and it’s safe for people to begin plowing and planting.



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This Issue's Staff
Editor – Angie Daly Morfeld
Associate Editor – Larry Archer
Photography Editor – Ben Nickelson
Staff Writer – Kristie Hilgedick
Staff Writer – Joe Jerek
Staff Writer – Dianne Van Dien
Designer – Marci Porter
Designer – Kate Morrow
Photographer – Noppadol Paothong
Photographer – David Stonner
Circulation – Marcia Hale