Connect with us

Hi, what are you looking for?

Coal Region Canary
Coal Region CanaryCoal Region Canary

Local Outdoors News

Groundhog Day Around the Corner

Groundhogs are large rodents that are also one of the 14 species of marmot, or ground squirrels. In fact, they are the largest members of the squirrel family.

Most people probably know the groundhog as a weather prognosticator; however, those predictions are a mixed bag. From head to rump, groundhogs can be pretty big ranging from 18 to 24 inches in length.  They weigh around 13 lbs. that is about twice the average weight of a newborn human baby. 

Like other squirrels, groundhogs have long tails that grow around 7 to about 10 inches in size.  These round creatures look like little bears when they stand up on their hind legs. Groundhogs also have sharp claws that they use to dig impressive burrows in the ground.

During the warm months, a groundhog’s incisors grow about one-sixteenth of an inch each week to keep up with their frenzied eating schedule.

Groundhogs are found only in North America, from Canada down to the southern United States.  They can be seen frequently in southern Schuylkill County.  Woodchuck, whistle pig, grundsau and, of course, groundhog are all names for the same animal.  Songs have been sung about them, tales told and jokes made. But, the groundhog is a common one that can be found virtually everywhere as long as there is ample meadow or farm field habitat available. 

Groundhogs live for digging and their holes can be enormous even sometimes beneficial as in serving as a home for other animals that require holes. Or, the holes can be a bane if a property owner has livestock whose legs can step in a groundhog’s hole resulting in lameness or even death. 

You’ve seen them waddle around with excess weight as they are true hibernators meaning their body temperature and heartbeat drops and they go into dormancy to survive winter with their accumulated body fat. You will see males emerging to find and breed with females in mid-winter.  Newborns are out by April and early May and by summer they leave to set out to find their own turf. 

Groundhogs are also very well-suited for life underground with their eyes, ears and nose found on top of their head.  Senses are very sharp and no matter what they are doing, their head pops up every few moments to check for danger. 

Whistle pig is another name befitting this rodent.  They whistle for an alarm call, make a “chuck-chuck” sound when eating and chatter their teeth when frightened or cornered.  Believe me when I say that they can even climb and get out of a tree head first!  It seems that their short, flattened bodies afford them good balance and they can be seen walking along the tops of fences even sitting upright much like a prairie dog. 

Actually, the groundhog is the only animal to have its own holiday.  Groundhog Day first began in Pennsylvania way back in 1887.  If the animal sees its shadow, then that means winter lasts for six more weeks.  However, the real reason any groundhog would be out is to look for a mate. 

Some readers may have had the opportunity to enjoy the very large Groundhog Day in Punxsutawney.  However, Schuylkill County boasts its very own Grover and his bride Sweet Arrow Sue. 

Grover the Groundhog is still cozy and snoozing in his burrow but will emerge to announce his weather prediction at Sweet Arrow Lake County Park Clubhouse at 1:00pm on Sunday, February 2, 2025.

Join Grover and his friends at the Clubhouse for the 19th Annual Groundhog Day Celebration at the lake and be part of the fun! The PA Dutch element associated with the traditions of the day will return this year.

The Die Schwadore Shalle choir will join us to perform songs in Pennsylvania Dutch that you will recognize, including the much loved, traditional repeating song “Schnitzelbank.” Our Chinese “Groundhog” Auction features many great items! The festivities are free and open to the public. Wonderful good PA Dutch light refreshments will be available!

About the Author: “Porcupine Pat” McKinney is a part-time environmental education coordinator for the Schuylkill Conservation District and provides programming for people of all ages with a special emphasis on schools, nature center development and public programming.

“Porcupine Pat” is originally from Marion, Ohio and holds a Bachelor’s of Science degree with Distinction in Natural Resources with an emphasis on Environmental Interpretation from The Ohio State University.

He is a recipient of the prestigious Sandy Cochran Award for Excellence in Natural Resources Education from the Pennsylvania Forestry Association in 2005, the 2007 Schuylkill Pride Award, the 2010 Schuylkill Outdoors Personality of the Year and a recipient of the 2013 PA Association of Environmental Educators “Outstanding Environmental Educator Award.”

Photo: Canva

Subscribe to Coal Region Canary

Get email updates from Coal Region Canary by becoming a subscriber today. Just enter your email address below to get started!
Loading

Support Coal Region Canary

Like our reporting and want to support truly local news in Schuylkill County? Your small donations help. For as little as $5, your contribution will allow us to cover more news that directly affects you. Consider donating today by hitting the big yellow button below ...


Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Advertisement