According to American folklore, if the groundhog (Marmota monax) emerges from hibernation on February 2 and is able to see its own shadow, frosty winter weather will continue for another six weeks. This rodent member of the squirrel family is also known as a woodchuck or 'whistle pig' because of its alarm call. The groundhog barks and squeals when fighting and chatters when cornered. Formerly killed for its fur and meat, it is now hunted only for sport.
Farm machinery and buildings are occasionally damaged by the immense burrows that make up the groundhog's den. These extend as far as 2.4m under ground and can be 13.5m long, with several entrances. As winter approaches, the groundhog builds up a good store of fat and hibernates in a side chamber, rolled into a ball with its head tucked between its hind legs.
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