Groundhogs aren't just pests. They also:

1. ‣Have thick, tough hide once used by Native Americans to make moccasins
   

2. ‣Groundhog fur is popular for making trout fishing flies
   

3. ‣Can be quite entertaining to watch: babies play, squealing and rolling like puppies; babies will follow mama around
   

4. ‣Have their own “day” and tongue twister (How much wood would a woodchuck chuck…); also their own beer (Woodchuck Cider)
   

5. ‣Aerate the soil and help spread seeds/nuts
   

6. ‣Their burrows serve as homes for other wildlife
   

7. ‣Serve as food source for predatory species
   

8. ‣Are used in research (Cornell) for hepatitis study, food intake & obesity and more
   

9. ‣Emit a musky odor from scent glands (smells oniony)
   

10. ‣Fairly agnostic towards others
    

11. ‣Good climbers and swimmers
    

12. ‣Molt once a year
    

13. ‣Are related to chipmunks, squirrels and prairie dogs and are the third largest rodent in the US (first being the beaver and second being the porcupine)
    

14. ‣One of few true hibernators (vs torpor); Body temp drops to about 40°F; heart rate slows to 4–5 beats/minute; rely on stored body fat to survive
    

15. ‣Quite vocal: “chuckle,” grunt, squeal, growl, chatter (teeth), “whistle”
    

16. ‣Are STRONG! All muscles from head to shoulders
    

17. ‣Bury their poop, like a cat
    

18. ‣Openings of dens face South to catch sun (warmth)
    

19. ‣Dens are 15–50 ft. long and 2–6 ft. deep
    

20. ‣The groundhog’s internal clock, along with increased sunlight, changes in hormone levels are all thought to trigger a wake-up
    

21. ‣Groundhog Day is halfway between the winter solstice and the vernal equinox (in March). Celebrated in some cultures as the midpoint of winter. Since groundhogs naturally wake up about that time – the association of this rodent (to 6 more weeks of winter – or not) was born.