Wild over Wildlife, LLC

Excited for our Visit with Kindergarten at GES

Each year groundhogs enjoy 15 minutes of fame and then most people proceed to forget about them completely. Held every year on February 2, Groundhog Day is a unique U.S. celebration in which people turn to these mammals to predict the weather. What else is there to know about these annual celebrities? Here are some little-known facts:

Groundhogs are also known as woodchucks, whistle-pigs, forest marmots, and land beavers.

They are among the few animals that are true hibernators. Groundhog hibernation can last for as long as five months. During this time, groundhogs go into a dormant state; they lose a quarter of their body weight, their body temperature decreases by 60 degrees Fahrenheit, and their heart rate slows to only five or 10 beats per minute.

Woodchuck burrows, which the animals dig as much as 6 feet deep, can meander underground for 20 feet or more, usually with two entrances but in some cases with nearly a dozen.

While they may not appear particularly agile, groundhogs actually have impressive climbing skills and are quite active. If they are being pursued and the need arises, groundhogs can also swim to safety, jumping in the water to avoid danger.

Happy Groundhog Day!

Punxsutawney Phil has spoken: 6 more weeks of winter for us! ❄️

Realize it's a few days early, but given today's temperatures, felt it was appropriate

Not impressed with all the snow. Hope everyone is staying safe and warm.

With dangerously cold temperatures and a winter storm moving through our area, wildlife may struggle to find shelter, warmth, and footing. During extreme cold, animals may appear lethargic, injured, or even frozen to the ground and they may need human help to survive.

If an animal appears frozen to the ground:
*Do NOT pull or pry the animal free.
*Gently pour warm (not hot) water on the ground around the animal until it releases naturally.
*Never pour water directly on the animal.

If the animal needs to be contained:
*Wear gloves if possible.
*Use a box, pet carrier, laundry basket, or wire cage with air holes.
*Line the container with a towel, soft cloth or even straw.
*Keep the animal in a warm, dark, quiet indoor space, away from people and pets.

Important warming precautions:
*Do NOT submerge wildlife in water.
*Do NOT place the animal on a heating pad or near a direct heat source.
*Warming must be done very slowly. Rapid warming can cause shock and may be fatal.

Do NOT offer food or water:
*Feeding or watering wildlife, especially when hypothermic or injured, can be harmful, or even fatal.
*Always wait until you have spoken with a licensed wildlife rehabilitator.

When in doubt, ask for help:
If you are unsure whether an animal needs assistance, please contact a licensed wildlife rehabilitator in your area with pictures or video of the situation.

Your calm, thoughtful actions during extreme weather can make a life-saving difference for wildlife.

The world needs more people who see wildlife as neighbors, not nuisances — because every creature is just trying to survive, just like us.

Run free sweet Archie

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