During the earliest part of spring, I often see groundhogs applying their teeth to tree bark. I'm not sure they're actually eating anything in these instances; rather I think they might be somehow conditioning their teeth after a long winter of not being used during hibernation, but that's just an amateur theory.

Tags:   Marmota monax groundhog woodchuck standing tree bark teeth winter southwestern Ontario Canada Spruce Picea

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Although I'm posting this groundhog shot to celebrate the first full day of spring, I actually took the photo back in the halcyon days of early March, when it was still winter. I never thought I'd find myself describing the weather of early March in such a fond way, but this winter was definitely different!

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Groundhog mother and kit

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In our part of the world, groundhogs hibernate deep underground for about five months of the year. I imagine a lot of stretching must feel good after that.

Tags:   Marmota monax groundhog woodchuck rodent stretching reaching tree trunk teeth spring southwestern Ontario Canada

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I just happened to have in the hopper one or two groundhog shots I hadn't previously posted. ;o)

Tags:   Marmota monax groundhog rodent kit youngster baby eye contact spring southwestern Ontario Canada

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