Groundhog's Day is fun to celebrate with preschools, scout troops, youth groups or grade school classrooms. Although many adults dislike woodchucks for eating their gardens or burrowing in their yards, children tend to adore this chubby member of the squirrel family. There is much folklore about how the groundhog sees its shadow and predicts spring every February 2nd, but teach your kids the real facts about groundhogs by giving them this quiz. Go over the answers at the end of the quiz and see who got the most right.
Are groundhogs and woodchucks the same animal?
Groundhogs and woodchucks are the same animal. Their scientific name is Mormota monax. Another nickname is the 'whistle-pig' since they will give a loud, shrill whistle if startled. They also squeal if they have been injured by a predator or are fighting. Sometimes they use the whistle call to scare away predators including fox, hawks, coyotes, dogs, owls, and humans. Groundhogs can also give a low bark and growl while fighting with other groundhogs. They are in the Sciuridae family which means they are related to squirrels, chipmunks and prairie dogs.
Where do woodchucks live?
Woodchucks only live in North America. They were once found occasionally in forests before America was settled, but their population grew as they preferred the open habitat of clearcut woodlands. Woodchucks are now very commonly seen in grassland habitat. Their favorite spot to make a home is the grassy edge of a forest that has sandy and loamy soils where they can burrow in the ground.
True or False: Woodchucks build their own underground bathroom
It is true that woodchucks have a latrine chamber in their underground burrow system. They also have a nesting chamber, sleeping chamber, main entrance, several escape exits, and lookout posts. There are often over 5 entrances into their underground den system.
Is the male or female groundhog smaller?
Female groundhogs are usually smaller than males. All woodchucks weigh between 5 and 11 pounds and their weight can vary depending upon the season. They are heavier in fall, and lighter in spring due to the weight they lose during hibernation. The body length is between 16 and 20 inches, with a tail that measures between 4 and 7 inches.
Are woodchucks omnivores or herbivores?
Woodchucks are mainly herbivores and prefer soft plants or leaves. Clover, grasses, dandelion, chickweed, and wild lettuce are some of their favorite foods. They also eat corn, alfalfa, and hay, as well as crops which can annoy farmers and gardeners. They will occasionally eat an insect or snail.
Can woodchucks climb trees and swim?
It is true that groundhogs are great climbers and can occasionally be found in trees and on fence posts. They climb trees to escape an enemies and find leaves for food. Another surprising fact is they know how to swim with their head and nose above the water.
True or False: A woodchuck's teeth grow forever
The incisor teeth of the woodchuck grow during its entire life. In order to prevent them from growing too long the groundhog gnaws on stems and trees. Skulls have been found with groundhog teeth measure over 4 inches long.
Do groundhogs prefer to live alone or with their family?
Unlike prairie dogs, groundhogs actually prefer to live by themselves, but occasionally will share a den. The female will live with her family while they are young. She gives birth to an average of 2 to 6 young that are born without hair, pink, wrinkled, and blind. They grow quickly and only live with the mother for about 6 weeks and then are dispersed to find a home of their own.
Do groundhogs really wake up on February 2?
Groundhogs do not wake up on February 2 to look for their shadow. They are actually true hibernators that go to sleep in the fall and don't wake until early spring. While hibernating, the woodchuck's body temperature falls from 99 degrees to 7 degrees, and their heartbeat decreases from 100 beats per minute to 15 beats per minute.
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R. Jean DeCaire - Growing up in the north country I spent my days riding bikes, catching butterflies, building forts, and fishing. It was no wonder my ...
