As food supplies become scarce in the colder months, groundhogs burrow away as a mode of survival. But how do their bodies react to the harsh winter temperatures while they sleep? Groundhogs are ...

The hibernation period matches winter’s duration. The celebration of Groundhog Day would need to change by latitude in order to perfectly match groundhog emergence. Male groundhog (on the right) ...

Hibernation helps survival In my study area in southeastern Pennsylvania, the average date groundhogs emerge from their burrows is February 4. This fits the folklore and the timing of Groundhog Day.

I've been talking about raptors to school groups for decades. At one point, I ask the students what the prey animals - i.e. mice, rabbits, chipmunks - are doing in spring. Inevitably, a student will ...