Groundhog Day is right around the corner, so we want to know...
How much do you know about groundhogs?
Don't worry if you don't have a lot of whistlepig knowledge. We've got you!
How often is that famous groundhog correct in predicting the weather?
Historically, he has only been right 39% of the time.
Questions
- When is Groundhog Day celebrated?
- What are two nicknames used for groundhogs?
- How much does a groundhog weigh?
- When are groundhogs most active during the day?
- Where do groundhogs live?
- What does it mean if the groundhog sees its shadow on Groundhog Day?
- What do groundhogs eat?
- Who are the groundhog's worst enemies?
- Who is the most famous groundhog?
- Who starred in the movie, Groundhog Day?
- What are baby groundhogs called?
- Who is Punxsutawney Phil's wife?
- What do groundhogs dislike?
- What countries do groundhogs live in?
- When do groundhogs hibernate?
- What mammal is a groundhog's closest relative?
- What are two cool things that groundhogs can do well that you might not expect?
- How do groundhogs greet each other?
- Why are groundhogs good for the environment?
- How much wood would a woodchuck chuck, if a woodchuck could chuck wood?
Answers
- Groundhog Day is celebrated on February 2.
- Groundhogs are often called woodchucks or whistlepigs (because they use a high-pitched whistle to warn the colony of impending dangers or to woo potential mates).
- The average groundhog weighs about 11-13 pounds.
- Groundhogs are most active at dawn and dusk.
- Groundhogs live in complex burrows that have, on average, five entrances and exits. They even have a separate "bathroom".
- The superstition, introduced by the Pennsylvania Dutch, claims that if the groundhog emerges from its burrow on February 2nd and sees its shadow, it will retreat back underground and there will be six more weeks of winter. If the groundhog doesn’t see its shadow, then spring will arrive early.
- Mostly herbivores, groundhogs eat green plants, fruits, and vegetables. Occasionally, they can be seen eating insects and small critters.
- Although the primary predators of groundhogs are hawks, foxes, coyotes, bobcats, dogs, and humans, motorized vehicles kill many groundhogs each year.
- Punxsutawney Phil has been predicting the weather for 138 years, making him the most famous (and the oldest) groundhog. His official name is Punxsutawney Phil, Seer of Seers, Sage of Sages, Prognosticator of Prognosticators, and Weather Prophet Extraordinary.
- Bill Murray and Andie McDowell starred in Groundhog Day, which was released in 1993.
- Baby groundhogs are referred to as cubs, kits, or pups. There are typically 3 to 6 cubs in a litter, but sometimes there are up to 10.
- Punxsutawney Phil's wife is Phyllis. They have two children, Sunny (female) and Shadow (male).
- Groundhogs dislike strong odors such as garlic, ammonia, vinegar, and predator urine (yup, urine).
- Groundhogs only live in the United States and Canada.
- Most groundhogs hibernate from October to April. However, many male groundhogs will emerge in February to protect their territory.
- Groundhogs are the largest members of the squirrel family.
- Surprisingly, groundhogs can swim and climb trees.
- Groundhogs greet each other by putting their nose to the other groundhog's mouth. It looks like they are kissing, but it is called naso-oral contact, according to scientists.
- All the digging that groundhogs do help to aerate (provide oxygen) to the soil.
- Actually, woodchucks don't chuck wood, although they will often chew on it. Instead, they chuck dirt, and they can chuck 700 pounds of it when they create their burrow!
Check out last year's Groundhog Day celebration in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania!
Now you are an expert on groundhogs! Do you think the groundhog will see its shadow in 2025?
