Groundhog

👇 Psst... scroll down to fill out the details and add to your cart! 👇

Groundhog

(Marmota monax). Patient Number 25-958.

Date of admission: June 27, 2025.
Reason for admission: Vehicle Collision.

Patient History:

Groundhogs, also known as woodchucks, are solitary, burrowing mammals found throughout much of Canada and the eastern United States.

They are members of the marmot family and spend much of their lives underground in extensive tunnel systems used for sleeping, nesting, and hibernation. These burrows can span up to 30 feet and include multiple exits for safety.

Primarily herbivores, groundhogs forage on a variety of vegetation including grasses, wildflowers, clover, and garden crops. They are most active during the early morning and late afternoon, often seen standing upright to survey their surroundings. Groundhogs begin preparing for winter early, eating constantly to build fat reserves for hibernation. By late fall, they retreat into their burrows and enter a deep hibernation that lasts several months.

Breeding occurs in early spring. After a roughly 30-day gestation, groundhog mothers give birth to 2–6 pups. The young stay underground for several weeks before emerging to explore and eventually disperse to establish burrows of their own.

This particular groundhog arrived at AIWC on June 27, 2025, after being found along a rural roadside near Lochend and Big Hill Springs.

He was likely struck by a vehicle, sustaining minor head trauma and road rash on all four feet. Upon intake, he was quiet and dehydrated, but alert. With fluid therapy, pain control, and careful monitoring, he steadily improved, doubling his body weight within five days.

While still wary, he’s beginning to exhibit natural groundhog behaviors. His recovery has been encouraging, and thanks to your support, he’s on track to return to the wild where he belongs.

Please note:

  • For digital sponsorships, our online store automatically fulfills orders using the information provided. The recipient will be copied directly on the email and certificate, so please double-check all names and email addresses for accuracy before completing your order. Tax receipts will be issued in the purchaser’s name (based on billing details), not the recipient’s.
  • A $5.00 fee will be automatically added at checkout for physical mail-outs to cover printing and shipping. If recipient information is not provided, the certificate will be sent to the email or mailing address entered in the customer’s billing information.