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Woodchucks are also known as ground hogs, marmots, and whistling pigs, to name a few. These members of the squirrel family have long coarse fur that is a grizzled grayish brown with a yellowish or reddish cast. Woodchucks weigh 4-14 pounds (1.8-6.3 kg), being lightest in spring when they are just out of hibernation and heaviest in fall prior to hibernation (Oct.-Feb.). Woodchucks prefer to be out during the day and live in burrows. Their burrows are made along edges where timbered areas are bordered by open land, along fence rows and stream banks, or heavily vegetated gullies. The woodchuck is almost a complete vegetarian, eating leaves, flowers, various grasses, wild herbs, and field crops such as clover and alfalfa. Certain garden crops like peas, beans, and corn are favorites. Our woodchuck was brought to us on May 9, 2005. He was found curled in a ball at the edge of a yard, indicating that he was possibly hit by a car. During the initial physical, he had raspy breathing, loose teeth, scrapes on the top of his head, and a jaw fracture. Since a jaw fracture takes 6-8 weeks to heal, he was placed immediately on soft foods such as canned dog food, bananas, and cantaloupe. After time, apples, various seeds, fresh greens, and peanuts were added to his diet. During his recovery period, the woodchuck began to develop an ear infection that needed to be treated immediately with daily ear drops. After several observations from staff members, it appeared as if he had to search to find his food. A quick trip to the ophthalmologist, and he was diagnosed as blind. The road to becoming healthy was once again delayed. Because he was blind, the woodchuck had to be either euthanized, or placed in a facility for educational purposes. After advertising our blind woodchuck online, the Safe Haven Wildlife Refuge Center in Marengo, IL came to our rescue. The facility was in the process of expanding and wanted to welcome the woodchuck to their home. On July 23, the woodchuck was loaded up and driven to his specialized new home, complete with a ‘treat tree’, running wheel, and plenty of dirt to dig to make a burrow. The Safe Haven Wildlife Refuge Center reports that he is in great condition after having an ingrown tooth removed. Having made only a brief appearance during a fundraiser, he immediately became a popular guest because of his quirky, yet lovable personality. ‘Woody’, as they refer to him, also helped present a plaque of appreciation to a local vet who diagnosed and removed his ingrown tooth.
Background information provided by: http://mdc.mo.gov/nathis/mammals/woodchuck/ Woodchuck's new home: http://www.safehavenwildlife.com |
