Observations by efytikas

1. Scientific & Common Name(s)
   The Woodchuck (Marmota monax), is also known as groundhog, or whistle-pig. It belongs of the squirrel family, Sciuridae, and is of the order Rodentia. There are nine known subspecies (Grizzell, 1955; Hammerson, 2010).

2. Habitat & Geographic Range
   M. monax can be found in southern regions of Canada and eastern and central regions of the United States. Their preferred habitats include low-elevation hardwood or softwood forested areas that border meadows, fields, farmland, roads, or streams. They are also found in rocky or hilly areas. Burrow systems are found in open areas along the edge of the forest. Woodchucks choose sites with good drainage during hibernation, as heavy rainfall may drown them (Encyclopedia Britannica, 2016; Hammerson, 2010).

3. Size /Weight & Lifespan
   The adult woodchuck grows to be 418 to 700 mm, with the tail being 20-15% of its total length, and weighs up to 6 kg. The average lifespan of the woodchuck is 4-6 years, although they have been known to live up to 9 years in captivity (Kwiecinski, 1998).

4. Diet
   Woodchucks are diurnal and feed most actively in the morning and evening. They are known to eat a wide variety of plants, grasses, bark, and buds; depending on availability and individual preference. Alfalfa and clover are their preferred foods, so fields of them are woodchucks’ preferred habitat. They also eat June bugs, snails, and grasshoppers. They may forage for leaves of red mulberry, peach, hackberry, and Norway maple. Woodchucks typically get their water from dew and vegetation but they occasionally drink water. Woodchucks accumulate fat reserves for hibernation in the winter. Woodchucks are referred to as true hibernators, meaning that during hibernation their heat rate drops from 75 to 4 beats per minute, and their body temperature drops to the ambient temperature of their burrow (Encyclopedia Britannica, 2016; Kwiecinski, 1998).

5. Reproduction & Communication
   The breeding period is early March to mid-April; otherwise, Woodchucks are typically solitary and territorial. Breeding occurs following hibernation, with the males leaving hibernation before the females. The gestation period is 31-32 days, producing a single litter of 2-6 kits, although litters of 1-9 have been observed. Woodchucks reach sexual maturity in one year. Young are weaned shortly after birth and remain with their mother for several months before dispersing. Older and fatter woodchucks start hibernation earlier than yearlings. They hibernate in solitude, although they may share their burrows with other species such as cottontail rabbits, opossums, raccoons, and skunks. Many other animals make use of abandoned woodchuck burrows (Encyclopedia Britannica, 2016; Ferron, 1996; Kwiecinski, 1998).

6. Predation: Does the animal have any predators?
   
   Woodchucks have several natural predators, such as other mammals: wolves, foxes, coyotes, dogs, lynx, bobcats, mink, weasels, and black bears. Hawks, owls, and larger rattlesnakes are also known to feed on them. They are occasionally hunted by humans, and can be eaten. The effects of flooding, disease, and parasites on the population seem to be negligible (Encyclopedia Britannica, 2016; Grizzell, 1955; Kwiecinski, 1998).

7. Conservation Status
   Woodchucks are common in North America and are classified as a species of least concern by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List of Threatened Species. The population density of the woodchuck ranges from 0.04-1.3 animals per acre throughout its natural geographical range. Woodchucks are abundant in some areas, so much so that they cause damage to gardens, lawns, and fields of hay, clover, and alfalfa. Their burrows may destabilize dikes and building foundations. They are viewed as pests in certain areas, and occasionally trapped and hunted (Encyclopedia Britannica, 2016).

8. Did You Know?
   Woodchucks are primarily terrestrial and live in burrows, but they are quite capable of climbing trees and swimming (National Geographic, n.d.).

References

Ferron, J. (1996). How Do Woodchucks (Marmota monax) Cope with Harsh Winter Conditions? Journal of Mammalogy, 77(2), 412-416. doi:10.2307/1382817

Grizzell, R. A. (1955). A Study of the Southern Woodchuck, Marmota monax monax. American Midland Naturalist, 53(2), 257. doi:10.2307/2422068

Groundhog. (2016). Encyclopædia Britannica. Retrieved from https://www.britannica.com/animal/groundhog/images-videos/Groundhog/210338

Groundhog. (n.d.). National Geographic. Retrieved from http://animals.nationalgeographic.com/animals/mammals/groundhog/

Hammerson, G. (2010). Comprehensive Report Species - Marmota monax. NatureServe Explore. Retrieved from http://explorer.natureserve.org/servlet/NatureServe?searchName=Marmotamonax

Kwiecinski, G. G. (1998). Marmota monax. Mammalian Species, (591), 1. doi:10.2307/3504364

Maher, C. R. (2009). Genetic relatedness and space use in a behaviorally flexible species of marmot, the woodchuck (Marmota monax). Behavioral Ecology and Sociobiology, 63(6), 857-868. doi:10.1007/s00265-009-0726-5

Merriam, H. G. (1971). Woodchuck Burrow Distribution and Related Movement Patterns. Journal of Mammalogy, 52(4), 732. doi:10.2307/1378922