In a surprising twist, groundhogs are not picky eaters and will munch on everything from vegetables to bird eggs. Learn what’s on their menu.
What Do Groundhogs Eat?
Groundhogs, also known as woodchucks or whistle pigs, are expert foragers that munch on a wide variety of plants and other natural goodies. They need to build up body weight before winter, so their diet plays a huge role in their survival.
The groundhog (Marmota monax) is a large rodent native to North America.
They typically live in burrows, often with multiple entrances and exits.
Groundhogs are herbivores, feeding on grasses, fruits, and vegetation.
Their average lifespan is 2-3 years in the wild, but they can live up to 10 years in captivity.
According to folklore, groundhog shadows on February 2nd determine the length of winter.
A Varied Diet
These furry little rodents eat an assortment of vegetables, grasses, and clover, earning them a reputation as notorious garden visitors. They also snack on alfalfa, bark, and even trees, making them skilled scavengers. In addition to plants, groundhogs have been known to eat bird eggs on occasion. Unlike rabbits, which strictly stick to greens, these rodents sometimes mix in unexpected food sources.
Preparing for Winter
In the spring and summer, groundhogs focus on fresh vegetation, while in fall, they bulk up on calorie-dense plant matter to prepare for hibernation. Since their metabolic rate drops significantly in winter, they rely on their stored fat to survive. This is why they eat up to half of their body weight in food during the warmer months.
Fun Fact: No Food Hoarding
Groundhogs don’t hoard food like some other animals. Instead, they eat as much as possible before entering their underground burrow, where they remain in a deep sleep until spring.
Groundhogs and Humans
While they’re adorable, groundhogs can cause trouble for human structures. Their extensive digging can weaken building foundations and damage fencing. They can also make a mess of carefully planted gardens. However, using humane solutions like reinforcing fencing and planting less preferred foods can help manage groundhog activity without harming them.
Groundhogs Play an Important Role
Since they are prey for many predators, including foxes and hawks, they play an important role in local ecosystems. Their unique characteristics, such as their continuously growing teeth and strong digging abilities, make them well-suited to their environment.
Groundhogs have various predators that threaten their survival.
Coyotes, foxes, and bobcats are primary predators of groundhogs.
Hawks and owls also prey on young or weak groundhogs.
Domestic dogs and cats can attack groundhogs if given the opportunity.
According to a study, coyote predation is the leading cause of mortality in groundhog populations.
Groundhogs have adapted by developing strong burrowing skills and warning calls to alert other groundhogs of potential threats.
The Groundhog’s Teeth and Digging Abilities
A groundhog’s teeth grow continuously, which is why they’re always chewing on vegetation or bark to keep them in check. Their strong claws help them dig extensive burrows, creating underground homes that can stretch over 30 feet (9.1 meters).
Groundhogs have large, yellow-orange incisors that are prominent in their mouth.
These specialized teeth are made of hard enamel and are designed for digging and gnawing on wood.
The shape and size of a groundhog's teeth allow them to excavate complex burrows with ease.
In fact, some burrows can extend up to 5 feet underground and have multiple entrances and exits.
Groundhogs' ability to dig is also enhanced by their powerful front legs and long claws.
- howstuffworks.com | What Do Groundhogs Eat?
