Texas Groundhogs and Their Interesting Natural Diet

The Killeen groundhogs are large rodents that can be found in various parts of US and Canada. They are diurnal creatures that are also popularly known as woodchucks or whistle pigs. When choosing the food that they want to eat, this creature will prefer to munch on herbaceous foods. Nonetheless, there are still few exceptions in this matter. 



Basic Information on the Natural Diet of the Groundhog

Woodchucks are Texas mammals that can thrive in a diverse type of environment. This may include the fields, edge of the forests, residential communities, and meadows. They will also choose to establish their den in places with piles of brushes or weeds. They can weigh as much as 14lbs due to the excessive eating habit. Usually, the male groundhogs will be 3% larger compared to the female species. They will have fur that will have varying shades. 

Diet of the Woodchuck

Perhaps the most essential component of the Texas woodchuck's natural diet would be the foliage of the bushes, fruits, grass, grains, flowers, ferns, nuts, and bushes. Other plants that they will eat when in the wild include sorrel, asters, plantains, clovers, and dandelions. They love to eat plants that have high water content. They will much on blackberries, cherries, and variety of berries. Farmers will be annoyed on their presence since they will attack the cultivated crops. This will include the soybeans, corns, broccoli, squash, peas, beans, and lettuce. The adult groundhog has the capacity to eat at least one pound of food on a daily basis.

While they are considered herbivorous, there are instances when they will consume insects. They will also eat birds, hatchlings, eggs, snails, and bugs. They prefer to eat the bigger type of bugs like the grasshopper and June bugs. They rarely drink water since they receive it directly from the food that they eat. 

How Groundhogs Look for Food

Compared to other rodents, the Texas groundhog does not have the habit of storing their food. They also eat nuts, barks, roots, and variety of vegetation. To give them an easy access to food, they will build their burrows close to the source of food such as the farms, orchards, and garden. Their voracious appetite is considered a threat to the cultivated crops of the farmers. They can eat large amount of snapdragon, marigold, and sunflower. 

Fortunately, they will only eat uncontrollably during the Killeen summer season. They are doing this to store excess fats in order to help them survive during the winter. During their hibernation period, they will stop eating for a limited period. There are some places where they will hibernate for about 6 months. Once the hibernation period is over, they will be ready to attack the vegetation in your garden.

Knowing the component of their natural habitat can be essential when choosing the appropriate bait. This can increase the success of capturing the nuisance creature. In case you are still having an infestation, allow the wildlife specialist to handle your situation.



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