Beginning in late October and early November, groundhogs will hibernate. So groundhogs hibernate underground in a burrow. Hibernation is curious behavior: Barely breathing, these mammals cool off to just a few degrees above the ambient temperature, sometimes as low as 39º to 40ºF. Each animal's hibernation behavior differs, but the effects of hibernation on … ... What do Groundhogs Eat? Groundhogs are one of the few species that sleep through the entire winter. Groundhog hibernation gave rise to the popular U.S. custom of Groundhog Day, held on the second of February every year. The hibernating process varies from one turtle species to another, but it is common for box turtles to hibernate for 3-4 months. When the groundhog enters hibernation, there is a drop in body temperature to as low as 35 degrees Fahrenheit, heart rate falls to 4–10 beats per minute and breathing rate falls to one breath every six minutes. Depending on the species and individual characteristics, some will hibernate and some will never hibernate. During hibernation, the groundhog's body temperature drops from 99 F to as low as 37 F, according to the National Wildlife Federation. Ground Hog Control. Their heartbeat can slow down to 4 or 5 beats per minute (bpm) from 80bpm! Their body temperature and heart rates drop, and they sleep through the cold months. Groundhogs Hibernate in Winter. A groundhog’s front teeth grow throughout its life. Another reason groundhogs are way better for your garden than gophers is that they peace out for part of every year. They have a special day dedicated to them (Groundhog Day), a band named after them (The Groundhogs), a movie made after them (again, Groundhog Day), and innumerable songs written about them as well! The Groundhog, also known as a Woodchuck is a member of the squirrel family. How and why it happens are still a mystery. Groundhogs will emerge from … 4 Groundhogs. The burrow also provides great protection from enemies. During hibernation, the groundhog's body temperature drops from 99 F to as low as 37 F, according to the National Wildlife Federation. Interesting Facts about Groundhogs They are kept in check to a suitable size due to the constant gnawing. What Is the Life Cycle of a Groundhog? Male groundhogs hibernate less to visit the ladies ... groundhogs do not exit hibernation for good until early March, which is when they mate. ... As temperature drops, turtles need to hibernate because they cannot produce their own body heat. ... while the body temperature may drop as much as 50 degrees. Squirrels do not hibernate and remain active throughout the year. The groundhog loses more than half its body weight during hibernation! By hibernating, these mammals can survive the food shortage and emerge from their nests when resources are plentiful again. Groundhogs are considered "true hibernators," according to National Geographic, meaning their body temperature drops below 20 degrees Celsius, or 68 degrees Fahrenheit. Groundhogs (or woodchucks, as lots of people call them) often live where winters can be cold and snowy. Groundhogs hibernate each winter. As the days get shorter, the temperature changes, and food becomes scarce, HIT triggers hibernation. Groundhog hibernation gave rise to the popular U.S. custom of Groundhog Day, held on the second of February every year. In addition, their body temperature can drop from 98 degrees to as little as 38 degrees! During hibernation, they experience periods of torpor and arousal. Hibernation and Groundhog Day. Groundhogs are found in open pastures, woodlots, fields, ditches, and roadsides. Some of them hibernate, others don't. image: Pixabay. "Their body temperature drops to near the surrounding air temperature during hibernation." Spring (and even late winter) signals the mating season, when males awaken from hibernation and venture within two to three acres to find and enter the burrows of females. Recent research suggests that it is some kind of opiate, chemically related to morphine. During early spring, groundhogs are most active during the warm parts of the day. HIBERNATION STATION "Groundhogs, like all marmots, are hibernators," says Castleberry. There are other animals that hibernate, or become dormant, daily. Throughout summer, they feast in an effort to build up a nice layer of fat. There are many different species of hedgehogs, seventeen to be exact. The plants that groundhogs need for food are dead or covered up. Syrian, or golden hamsters, originated from a desert climate and a state of stupor for short periods was essential to survive cold nights. Mammals such as bears, bats, and squirrels hibernate when food becomes scarce. Life Cycle. When hibernating, groundhogs—who are never speedy—really slow down, drawing a breath only about once every five minutes. Groundhogs Hibernate for Three Months Each Year. Groundhogs may be tiny creatures, but that does not mean they are not influential. Unlike most animals that you see in the suburbs, groundhogs, like bears, hibernate in the wintertime. Groundhogs do binge eating during the summer and put on a lot of weight to see them through the severe hibernation they follow. Typically, groundhogs do not exit hibernation for good until early March, which is when they mate. At hibernation time they’ll typically dig a deep burrow – in your yard!