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PICTURE OF THE WEEK: Unpopular Groundhogs

While celebrity groundhog Punxsutawney Phil makes headlines every February 2 for coming out of his hole after a long winter sleep to determine the duration of winter, his fellow groundhogs are not so popular. Phil and his groundhog cousins (also known as woodchucks or whistle-pigs) hibernate from October through February and breeding season begins shortly thereafter. That means an abundance of groundhogs setting their sights on eating gardens, digging burrows, and otherwise coming into conflict with their human neighbors.

According to John Hadidian, wildlife biologist and director of urban wildlife programs for The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS), "People make a star out of a groundhog over a myth about the relationship between shadows and weather, but they also make him a villain just a few weeks later. These creatures don't have to be the enemy. Humans can discourage groundhog damage and peacefully co-exist with them."

Here are some facts about groundhogs:

- They are fearful of humans and generally cautious creatures.
- They weigh 5 to 10 pounds and measure 16 to 20 inches in length.
- Their tails are 4 to 8 inches long.
- They eat grass, dandelion and other plants; unfortunately they particularly like vegetables and fruits grown in home gardens.

The HSUS Wild Neighbors™ Program promotes non-lethal means for resolving conflicts between people and wildlife, and cultivates understanding and appreciation for wild animals commonly found in cities and towns. To find ways you can keep groundhogs from disturbing your home, visit www.wildneighbors.org.

Article courtesy of The Humane Society of the United States

Visit their website at www.hsus.org


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