Groundhogs

The Groundhog is a member of the squirrel family and is also known as the woodchuck or whistle pig. They are generally 16-20 inches longwith short, strong legs supporting it's compact, chunky body. They will dig tunnels in fields, under homes, driveways, roads, sheds, barns, and are most comfortable in areas of tall grass on open farmland and are also be abundant in wooded areas next to these open lands. Groundhogs are mostly vegetarians, feeding on a variety of vegetables, grasses and legumes.

Groundhogs are among the few mammals that truly hibernate and in Virginia, groundhogs usually enter hibernation in late fall, near the end of October or early November until late February and March. 

Quick Groundhog facts

• Groundhogs generally will not travel farther than 50-100 feet from it's den
• Groundhog breeding season is in March and April, with a single litter of 2 to 6 (usually 4) young each season
• Groundhogs prefer to eat early in the morning or in the evening and generally stay close to their burrow openings unless mating