If you’re wondering how long a groundhog lives, you’re not alone! Groundhogs are omnivores, eating a wide range of food items. Many of these items are common to our gardens, but groundhogs can be a real nuisance. Their burrows can weaken foundations. If you have a groundhog problem, it may be time to take action.
Groundhogs spend their spring and summer months hibernating. They spend their fall and winter months burying themselves in food, consuming an average of one pound of food per day. Once spring arrives, groundhogs will give birth to two to six young, each with a lifespan of three to six years. During the winter, their heart rate drops to five beats per minute and their respiration slows down to two breaths per minute. They are able to survive at these lower temperatures for an average of three months and can even hibernate for a few months.
In the wild, groundhogs live in elaborate underground burrows. These burrows can be eight to twenty-five feet long and have multiple levels. Unlike prairie dogs, groundhogs usually have multiple entrances and exits to their burrows, and they use these to sleep, eat, and eliminate waste. Groundhogs’ lifespans are shorter than those of other similar animals. For example, prairie dogs and gophers are much smaller than groundhogs, but they are not entirely different.
Groundhogs’ lives are similar to those of other species of mammals. They tend to stay close to their dens. They don’t venture more than 50 to 150 feet from their den. Because they eat plants, they also consume fruits, vegetables, and tree bark. Their teeth continue to grow, and they don’t stop growing. Their lower and upper incisors grow by about one sixteenth inch a week. Their burrows are also very impressive.
Unlike cats and dogs, groundhogs spend most of the winter in a burrow. During the summer season, they spend most of their time feeding, gaining mass, and preparing for the winter. While most groundhogs do not live that long, there are some that do, especially those in captivity. But the real answer is, “It depends.”
A groundhog’s life span is largely dependent on its environment. While most of them live for four to five years, wild groundhogs, also known as woodchucks, can live up to ten years. While they’re not renowned weather forecasters, they do have long lifespans. And if you live near an urban area, you may have seen groundhogs living in cities and suburbs.
According to the National Wildlife Federation, a groundhog’s lifespan is usually three to four years, but this can vary depending on the habitat in which they live. Unlike their wild counterparts, they can live longer in captivity because they’re protected from predators. They have short legs and underground homes and must constantly chew to wear down their teeth. An adult groundhog can reach up to twenty inches long and weigh up to 20 pounds. As a result, they’re pretty tough targets for hunters, but not impossible.
What are 5 facts about groundhogs?
– Groundhogs Have Many Aliases. … – They Are True Hibernators. … – They Feast To Survive Winter. … – They’re Impressive Builders. … – Their Vacant Dens Are Reused. … – They Can Climb Trees.
What’s the average lifespan of a groundhog?
Wild groundhogs, also known as woodchucks, one average live four to five years, but can live up to six years. In captivity they can live ten or more years. However, they spend half of their life asleep in a coma-like state and will not wake even if touched.
Can groundhogs live for 100 years?
While groundhogs in the wild don’t necessarily live a very long life span, some groundhogs in captivity live much longer. Here is a list of some of the oldest known groundhogs ever recorded. Perhaps the most famous of all groundhogs, Punxsutawney Phil is said to be over 100 years old.J
Why do groundhogs have a short lifespan?
On average, the groundhog lifespan is three years. Their short lifespan can be attributed, in part, to their susceptibility to predators, such as coyotes, foxes, bobcats, hawks, owls and even household pets (e.g., dogs).
How fast do groundhogs move?
Their low-slung bodies typically move at 3 kph (1.86 mph), but when alarmed they gallop along at 16 kph (9.94 mph). In addition to being capable of running short distances, this burrowing animal can swim as well as climb when necessary.
Do groundhogs stay together as a family?
Family values. In general, groundhog social groups consist of one adult male and two adult females, each with an offspring from the previous breeding season (usually female), and the current litter of infants. Interactions within a female’s group are generally friendly.
Why do groundhogs have short lives?
Their short lifespan can be attributed, in part, to their susceptibility to predators, such as coyotes, foxes, bobcats, hawks, owls and even household pets (e.g., dogs). Additionally, groundhogs move slowly and they are prevalent in suburban areas, hence they are also killed by cars.
How much do groundhogs eat?
Groundhogs construct burrows and eat a broad range of vegetation. An adult consumes between 1-1/2 lbs. of vegetation a day. One or two groundhogs are capable of eating into your garden almost overnight.
How long does a groundhog typically live?
Lifespan: In the wild, groundhogs can live up to six years with two or three being average. In captivity, groundhogs reportedly live up to 14 years. Breeding: Groundhogs tend to be solitary except in the spring when a litter of four to six young are born. Litters of one to nine have been recorded.J
Are groundhogs smart?
They are quite adept at it. They can remove up to seven hundred pounds of soil, and dig almost 40 feet long burrows. ➤ Groundhogs are smart creatures.
Why do groundhogs only live 3 years?
Wild Groundhogs Have Short Lives The longevity of a groundhog’s life span solely depends on its environment. Wild groundhogs only live about 3 – 6 years while those in captivity amazingly have been been reported to live anywhere from 9 – 14 years.
What are 5 things groundhogs eat?
– Greens like lettuce, alfalfa, clovers, dandelions, daisies, red mulberry and hackberry leaves. – Trees (specifically bark and twigs) like black cherry and dogwood. – Vegetation like carrots, celery, corn, peas, and beans. – Fruits like berries, cherries and apples. – Insects like June bugs, snails and grasshoppers.
How far do groundhogs travel underground?
Groundhogs begin hibernation in October and emerge in February. Their burrow system is located about 2-4 feet underground and may extend 15-25 feet horizontally.
How do you get rid of groundhog burrows?
Epsom Salts. Epsom salts sprinkled near or around the burrow entrances or exits will keep the groundhog away. If your plants are being eaten, try placing a tin pie plate filled with the salts near the plants. Replace after a rain.
How do you get a groundhog to move out?
– Epsom Salts. Epsom salts sprinkled near or around the burrow entrances or exits will keep the groundhog away. … – Human Hair Clippings. Clippings from your local barber or hairdresser can also work well because they dislike the scent of humans. … – Soiled Kitty Litter. … – Offensive Scents.
