The latest animal to visit my yard is this groundhog! They are one of the largest members of the squirrel family, weighing in at about thirteen pounds.
![](https://www.tamrawight.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IMG_9418-1024x731.jpg)
Other names for them are woodchuck and whistlepig.
![](https://www.tamrawight.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IMG_9508-1024x731.jpg)
They build really deep burrows under the frost line that have several rooms including a bathroom.
![](https://www.tamrawight.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IMG_9529-1024x731.jpg)
Some cool new-to-me facts are that they can climb trees and swim, using these skills to get away from predators.
![](https://www.tamrawight.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IMG_9442-1024x731.jpg)
Groundhogs can totally demolish a flower or vegetable garden!
![](https://www.tamrawight.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IMG_9541-1024x731.jpg)
![](https://www.tamrawight.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IMG_9532-1024x732.jpg)
![](https://www.tamrawight.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IMG_9470-1024x732.jpg)
They spend all summer eating and bulking up, so they can hibernate from October-ish to March/April. This one walked right past the garden I planted, to feed on clover and wildflowers. I’m so glad I keep 2/3 of my backyard wild!
![](https://www.tamrawight.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IMG_9502-1024x731.jpg)