Woodchuck - Photos by Bruce Dayton - Woodchuck (Marmota monax)

ORDER: Rodentia (Rodents)
FAMILY: Sciuridae (Squirrels, Chipmunks, Marmots, Prairie Dogs)
SPECIES: Woodchuck (Marmota monax)

Woodchuck (Marmota monax)
The woodchuck is a rodent of the family Sciuridae - The Woodchuck thrives in forest borders through much of the eastern United States, across Canada, and into Alaska. - Woodchucks live singly from the time they are weaned at six weeks of age. - They also known as the Ground Hog and Whistle-pig. -
SIZE	Length: Range: 415-675 mm (16.5 - 26.5 inches) Can grow to 30 inches or more Weight: Range: 3-4 kg (6.5 - 9 lbs) Can grow to 15 lbs or more. They are lightest just after they come out of hibernation and heaviest in the Fall just prior to hibernation.
DESCRIPTION	The Woodchuck has long, coarse , grayish-brown fur with a reddish tinge and a prominent bushy tail. Woodchucks are well adapted for digging, with short but powerful limbs and curved, thick claws. Their feet are usually darker brown or black. Sexual Dimorphism: Males are slightly heavier than females.
NEST	The main entrance to their burrow is often located beneath a tree stump, rock or old building. A pile of freshly excavated earth and stones will reveal the main entrance. The side entrances are smaller and better concealed. The tunnels lead to an enlarged chamber, underground, which contains the nest. They sleep, raise their young and hibernate in their burrow. When it is hibernating, the Woodchuck's body temperature drops and its heartbeat slows.
MATING	Females have one litter per usually a litter of 4 or5. Only during mating will a male woodchuck will go visit a female's burrow. After mating, he will leave.
BEHAVIOR	Woodchucks are active during the day, especially in early morning and late afternoon. Woodchucks usually live on their own, except during mating season.
GEOGRAPHIC RANGE	It is widely distributed in North America and common in the northeastern and central United States. In the west it is found only in Alaska, Alberta, British Columbia, and northern Washington.
HABITAT	The woodchuck is a lowland creature. Their favorite habitat seems to be near private gardens or in hedgerows near fields of commercial crops, such as beans. Certain garden crops like peas and beans are their favorites. The Woodchuck live in forest borders, fields, woods and lawns.
PREDATORS	Predators for woodchucks (especially the young) include wolves, coyotes, bobcats, bears, large hawks, and owls.
DIET	They are diurnal vegetarians, consuming clover, dandelion, chickweed, alfalfa, sorrel, beans, peas, grains, grasses, and other plants.

INTERESTING FACTS

Biome

Scientists have developed the term Biome to describe major ecological areas on the earth with similar climate, plants, animals, and soil organisms (often referred to as an major ecosystem). Each of these Biomes have similar climatic conditions despite being found in geographically different areas.

The two major types of Biomes are
aquatic biomes and terrestrial biomes

The largest part of the earth is made up of aquatic biomes, major ones such as Freshwater, Marine, and Coral Reefs.

The 8 Major terrestrial biomes are; Tropical Rainforest, Tropical Savanna, Desert, Chaparral, Grassland, Temperate Deciduous Forest, Temperate Boreal Forest and Artic and Alpine Tundra.

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The images on this web page are copyrighted © 2003 - 2007 by Bruce Dayton. I want to share my photos to promote conservation and to help people identify and learn about the birds and other creatures that live with us on the North American continent. Please do not use any of my work in any non-profit or for-profit project without first getting written permission from me. You can ask for permission by emailing me at webmaster@wildlifeofnorthamerica.info. All reproductions must bear an appropriate credit.


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Woodchuck (Marmota monax)

Groton Township Tompkins County, NY


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Rogers Environmental Education Center Sherburne, NY


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