Young groundhogs are called chucklings
February 2 is Groundhog day in the USA and Canada and we thought we'd use the opportunity to share a photo of these adorable creatures.
The celebratory day is rooted in the Pennsylvania Dutch superstition that if a groundhog coming out of its burrow on this day sees a shadow due to clear weather and so turns tail and retreats back into its den then winter will continue for six more weeks. If the groundhog does not see a shadow because the weather is overcast then spring will arrive early.
The groundhog is part of the marmot family and is considered to be a large ground squirrel. Young groundhogs are called chucklings!
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