Nebraskaland

MayNebraskaland

NEBRASKAland Magazine is dedicated to outstanding photography and informative writing with an engaging mix of articles and photos highlighting Nebraska’s outdoor activities, parklands, wildlife, history and people.

Issue link: http://mag.outdoornebraska.gov/i/823575

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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. LER PH PHOT HOT HOTO O BY ERIC FOWL

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