Getting to know groundhogs

The groundhog is Southeast Missouri's largest native rodent. Also going by the names woodchuck and whistle-pig, it is a distant relative of the squirrel. Groundhogs are common throughout most of North America, even ranging into Alaska.

Coyotes, bobcats, foxes, owls and hawks are the main predators of groundhogs. But snakes can easily enter a groundhog den and are also a great threat to young groundhogs.

Notorious for digging holes, groundhogs are often undermine buildings. Still, numerous other animals such as rabbits, opossums, foxes and raccoons benefit from these holes by using them for safe haven or even claiming the hole as their own home. Groundhogs can climb small trees. They can stand upright on their hind legs for a better view. When alarmed, a groundhog will make a sharp loud whistle.

Do you know which day is named for the groundhog? Can you answer this tongue-twister question? How much wood could a woodchuck chuck if a woodchuck could chuck wood?

This yearling groundhog presented little threat to me as I got low to the ground, steadied the camera with my elbows touching the ground and photographed him at his eye-level. Being careful, you can do the same.

Through the Woods is a weekly nature photo column by Aaron Horrell.