Groundhogs, also known as woodchucks, are robust burrowing rodents commonly found across North America. These mammals belong to the marmot family, a group of large ground squirrels. They inhabit various landscapes, including open fields, woodlands, and the edges of suburban areas, where they can dig their intricate tunnel systems. Groundhogs are one of the few true hibernators, spending several months each year in a deep sleep underground.
Timing of Birth
Groundhogs typically emerge from hibernation in early spring, with breeding commencing in March and April. Following mating, female groundhogs undergo a gestation period of approximately 31 to 32 days. This short pregnancy means baby groundhogs are generally born in April or May, though timing can vary based on local climate and geographical location. Females produce one litter annually, with a common litter size ranging from two to six young.
Early Development in the Den
Newborn groundhogs, called pups or kits, are born in their mother’s underground burrow. At birth, they are remarkably small, typically weighing around one ounce and measuring less than four inches long. These pups are born helpless, hairless, and with their eyes and ears sealed shut. For the first few weeks, they rely on their mother for warmth and nourishment, consuming only her milk. Around four weeks of age, their eyes begin to open, and their fur starts to grow, transitioning from pink skin to soft fuzz.
Emergence and Continued Growth
After several weeks of development within the den, baby groundhogs typically venture outside when they are five to six weeks old. At this stage, they are fully furred, their eyes are open, and mobile enough to explore. Their first explorations are usually tentative, remaining close to the burrow entrance under their mother’s watchful eye. This period marks the beginning of their learning phase, as they nibble on solid foods like grasses and clover, mimicking their mother’s foraging behaviors.
Mother’s Care and Independence
The mother groundhog continues to care for and guide her young after their emergence from the den. She teaches them essential survival skills, including foraging for food and reacting to potential threats. The young are typically weaned from their mother’s milk around six weeks of age, though they may continue to stay with her for a few more weeks. By late summer or early fall, when they are approximately two to three months old, the young groundhogs disperse to establish their own burrows and territories, preparing for their first hibernation.