Groundhog

Most people meet the groundhog once a year, on February 2, but in the wild it is a creature of summer meadows and field edges. Stocky, with a short bushy tail and strong claws, the groundhog sits upright on its haunches near the mouth of its burrow, ready to dive for cover at the first sign of trouble.

Groundhogs, also called woodchucks, are true hibernators. They fatten up on grasses, clover, and garden greens through the summer, and then sleep through the winter in a deep burrow, with their heartbeat slowing to a few beats a minute. They emerge in early spring, and the burrows they dig are used by many other animals, from foxes to rabbits.

I love the round, sturdy build of a groundhog and the way it stands up on its hind legs to look around.

Photos

Groundhog Manitoba sightings

Where and when you can find the groundhog in Manitoba depends on the season and the habitat. You can see more animals in the Manitoba wildlife section.

Back to Manitoba wildlife photography, or see the portfolio.