Feature Article February 12, 2004
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Six More Weeks?
The prognosticators, the Groundhogs, have made their predictions, but it depends on whether you live in Alberta, Ontario and Pennsylvania, or in Nova Scotia whether there will be six more weeks of winter. Shubenacadie Sam in Nova Scotia says no, but Balzac Billy in Alberta, Wiarton Willie in Ontario and Punxsutawney Phil in Pennsylvania all say there will be.
The idea that if a Woodchuck sees his shadow on February 2nd there will be six more weeks of winter is legendary folklore that apparently came to North America with early European settlers where the forecaster may be a bear or a badger. Yet, when I look at the calendar, it tells me that the winter season is here, shadow or not, for another six weeks!
So this rodent, the Woodchuck, Marmota monax, often called Groundhog, has become a mid-winter distraction for humans, while it and all its kind are probably still deep in hibernation. Back in autumn, having put on a thick layer of fat in late summer and early fall, it had sealed up the entrance to its winter den (deep below the frost level) with earth, curled up in a ball and gone to sleep. Its heart rate would have slowed to about 4 beats a minute, its body temperature was lowered to just above freezing, and its breathing slowed.Then when spring approaches and temperatures rise, the animal will awaken and soon move to a summer den. If there is still snow, and usually there is, you may see evidence where the Woodchuck has been out of its burrow and made several treks in various directions. Probably it will still have some body fat, which is necessary, as there is not much food available on those first forays.
Usually the first animals you see out will be the males, looking for mates. After the brief mating season the female will give birth to about four naked, blind, helpless young. After about four to six weeks the young will be venturing outside to eat grass and clover. They grow rapidly and start to build up that necessary layer of fat which will enable them to survive the following winter.
While eating is probably the main activity, Woodchucks love to sun, stretched out on the warm ground or a rock, or even a tree limb, though their climbing ability is limited. Alarmed, they will give a shrill whistle, but if caught by a predator will squeal, and may also give low barks though the use of this vocalization is not known. Another sound is sometimes produced by grinding the teeth.
While often considered pests by farmers because of the amount of vegetation they eat, and the mounds of earth around their holes which can seriously interfere with haymaking, their holes are havens for many other animals such as skunks, rabbits, foxes, etc., some of which are beneficial in destroying farm pests such as rats, mice or insects.The holes can be dangerous for horses and cattle, but the extensive digging that is done in burrow construction does contribute to aeration and mixing of the soil. If you are adventurous, you may find a young Woodchuck fried, roasted or stewed quite tasty! Observations: Please share what you have seen; contact Jean at 268-2518; This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
