8 NEBRASKAland • MAY 2017
Visit us at OutdoorNebraska.org for a list of fishing
clinics and park events offered on May 20.
Free Park Entry • Free Fishing Day
Saturday, May 20
A Mammal
Brief
By Lindsay Rogers
Marmota monax
Ranging over much of
the eastern United States,
the woodchuck can be
found in grasslands and
forest edges in eastern
Nebraska. Most individuals
will have two burrows – one
for summer near food sources
and one for winter near protective
cover. Each burrow will have numerous
chambers and several entrances.
Woodchucks are true hibernators, meaning they
remain inactive for the entire winter despite temperature rises. Males emerge from hibernation before females
to establish a mating territory, establish dominance among other males and search for a mate. Mating occurs
soon after females emerge from hibernation. Young leave their mothers by the time they are two months old.
They are diurnal and often seen foraging on vegetation in gardens, prairies and pastures. They feed almost
entirely on plants including alfalfa, clover and dandelion. They will also feed on bark, leaves, insects and
occasionally bird eggs. Although a rather stubby species, they are often observed sitting or standing on their
hind legs, making them appear taller. ■
Lindsay Rogers is an outdoor
education specialist with the
Nebraska Game and Parks
Commission.
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