A groundhog is a species of rodent found only in Canada and the US – mainly in Alaska, most Canadian provinces and eastern US states. The animal is also referred to as land beavers, monax, or a whistlepig.
Like many animals, groundhogs are important to the environment and ecosystem as they maintain healthy soil. They are extremely intelligent, but can fall victim to farmers angry with them for eating their crops. During our research, we were shocked to find that bubble gum is suggested to eliminate these animals as they will happily eat it, but they are unable to digest it and ultimately die.
Groundhogs will stand on their hind legs and let out a loud whistle to warn other groundhogs of impending danger or predators such as foxes or coyotes. The animal did just that when featured in Ariana Grande’s music video for her song “God is a Woman”.
Female groundhogs are pregnant for a month and will give birth to up to six babies, and just like the animal itself, there are several terms for groundhog young – they’re referred to as kits, pups or chucklings.
Groundhogs are one of a number of animals which hibernate through winter. They will double their weight prior as their hibernation may last anywhere from three to six months.
In the US, February 2 is Groundhog Day where if a groundhog sees its shadow and returns back to its hole after already having hibernated, there will be a further six weeks of winter. Whereas the term Groundhog Day is derived from the 1993 Bill Murray film where he lives the same day over and over again. Funnily enough, the collective noun for a group of groundhogs is a repetition.
We’ve got you covered when it comes to both tattoos of the animal or the film, so keep scrolling to see these groundhog tattoos that we’ve found.
Graphic illustrative groundhog tattoo by @rorschart