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| The Woodchuck is generally more thought of as a Groundhog. They are brown with reddish and blackish variations and a prominently bushy tail. They have small ears, short legs, and dark brown or black feet. They measure 40 to 80 cm, and weigh 2 to 6 kilograms. Woodchucks preferred habitat is open and grassy land of the Algonquin Highlands, where it can easily dig its burrows, find plenty of food nearby, and have a clear view in all directions. The Woodchuck spends most of its time in or near the burrow and is rarely surprised at an unsafe distance by predators. They have separate burrows for summer and winter. The winter burrow is often located under tree cover and contains a large chamber lined with dry grass. Burrows can be up to 150 cm deep and 9 metres long. Woodchucks begin putting on an enormous amount of fat, and have usually retired to their burrows by October. They do not store any food, relying on their fat storage for the entire winter season. They go into a true state of hibernation where all energy demanding body processes are virtually stopped and the body temperature drops to near freezing, slowing the heart to four or five beats a minute, and breath to only once every six minutes. By the end of hibernation, the Woodchuck will have lost from one third to half of its body weight. Emerging from its burrow in April, the Woodchuck will have to rely on its remaining fat if there is no fresh vegetation to be found. After emerging from hibernation the male immediately searches for a mate. A litter of 4 to 5 young are born in May, blind and naked at birth. They open their eyes at about 1 month and leave the burrow at 2 months. When alarmed the Woodchuck gives a loud sharp whistle, followed by softer ones as it runs for its burrow. When agitated, it chatters its teeth, and can hiss, squeal, and growl. |
(Family Sciuridae)
Marmota monax
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