So what do these guys eat anyways?

[Ingersoll444]

Well, here is one of my "pet's" I have living on my land. Woodchuck, groundhog, whatever you call them, we used to have a ton, now I have only seen this one. What do they eat? I see him all the time out in the yard eating something off of the lawn, but dont know what. Plants? bug? Anyone know anything about them?

[Jim_WV]

Good question Paul, there are a bunch of these critters around this area too. I know the farmers have to start shooting them if they get too many around in the fields, they say the damage the pasture fields by burrowing holes and causes havoc with the cattle and horses at times.

[simple_john]

from this link:
http://richland.uwc.edu/Depts/Biology/accounts/Woodchuck.htm
Diet: Woodchucks are herbivores, which means they eat only plant material. Tender green plants such as grasses and clover make up their primary diet. They have also been known to eat roots, bulbs, and seeds. Woodchucks put on a thick layer of fat late in the summer because they do not store food over the winter months. While foraging, woodchucks are always in groups. One member of the group stays on guard watching and listening for predators. During feeding, woodchucks stop every few minutes to keep on the lookout. They are never too far from a burrow opening to dash into when danger arises. Woodchucks are diurnal so they hunt for their food in the daylight hours. Their feeding time is in the morning and late afternoon. They will climb trees and even swim to get food.



Habitat: Woodchucks live in open grasslands, pastures, and woodlands. Cover is sparse here and not concealing so it is easier for the woodchucks to see predators coming. These are also ideal places to dig their underground burrows in which they live. The open fields have an abundant supply of food and sun for the woodchuck. The burrows are usually located along edges of fields, which gives the animal some protection. They move to new dens for winter hibernation. Their winter burrows are in forests sheltered by trees and shrubs. Some believe they may move to the forest because frost does not penetrate the ground as deeply as it does in the open prairies.

Woodchucks live in burrows they dig into the ground. If the soil is soft enough, the tunnels may be up to 6 ½ feet below the surface. There are usually many tunnels leading to a den and excrement chamber. The main entrance to the burrow has a large mound of dirt around it, the dirt from inside the tunnels. Other emergency entrances are also dug, but are well hidden on the outside. The den is where sleeping and hibernation take place, and if it is a female’s den, it will become a nursery for the young. The den is lined with grasses and leaves for warmth. The excrement chamber is used to hold waste. They are cleaned regularly by carrying the waste outside and burying it, or it may be closed off and a new chamber dug.

[Ingersoll444]

Cool! Thanks John. I know where he lives, I found it right behind my parts car, when I dug it out of the woods a few weeks ago.

[Argee]

I understand they like .58 grains of lead approx.22 in diameter. :D

[slipshod]

They really do seem to enjoy my .22/250. It seems like they stand right up and say "shoot me now! shoot me now!

[simple_john]

i was always told my .223 was a perfect varment gun...

[HydroHarold]

Key of G

Eat the meat 'n save the hide,
Eat the meat 'n save the hide,
Best dang shoestrings ya ever did tie,
Groundhaaawwwwwg,

Here comes Sally with a snicker and a grin,
Here comes Sally with a snicker and a grin,
Groundhawg gravey all over her chin,
Groundhaaawwwwwg,

From a classic folk song of the hills.

[Jim_WV]

ROF Good one Harold :congrats:

[Carl]

I just found this site. It has some cute stuff on it. All about woodchucks.

http://www.hoghaven.com/home.htm#mainlinks

[Byron R]

Seems to be if you fall asleep siting in a lawn chair..waiting on one of those..They might not be in the groundhog family>> Br

[HydroHarold]

Now I HAVE seen it all, a grounhog WEBSITE! And with a groundhog "denmaster" yet... I could have set one of these sites up some years ago related to lions and tigers and bears but I forgot most of it when I came to... That stuff eventually does wear off.

Not exactly related but we have had gen-u-ine moose sightings in the Hudson Valley recently. According to the news a "confused young male" got in with some cows. Glad to see nature still attempting to rebuild my neighborhood.

http://www.poughkeepsiejournal.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20050917/NEWS01/509170317&SearchID=7322094782360