Did you know that groundhogs can climb trees?

Question

Yes, it's true! They are also known as woodchucks. We've had a little guy or gal named Charlie who has been living in our backyard for years. I haven't seen him or her recently because of the cold weather. Last year, I saw something very large that was obviously not a racoon, opposum, or cat up in what I think may be a tall mulberry tree? I looked closer and it was Charlie, happily munching away at the leaves or berries. The tree goes straight up so it's not like it's slanted. I'm 33 and in my whole life, I have never seen a tree climbing groundhog! I took pics. to prove to people who said I was making it up. Have you seen this yourself? It sure is a funny sight! I can't wait till spring and to see all the wildlife like the baby racoons, foxes, fawns, and Charlie that we attract in our wooded area. Also, the wonderful variety of birds that return from their long journies!!! I hate winter, it is awful! P.S., I know these aren't pets but there's no wildlife catagory!

Answer 1

Yup- they climb. Have very powerful claws. Can also jump pretty well in the short distance.
Stay away from Charlie (meaning out of attacking distance). Woodchucks can be pretty vicious. We have 1 relatively tame one at the zoo I work at (out of 7 tries on different babies) and she is still very tempermental. When she wants to get out, she chatters and climbs the side of her enclosure. Once the door was open, she would jump a foot and a half on to our shoulders....If you took her out when she didn't want to, she would bite very hard.