I love groundhogs, and always wanted one for a pet, but they are less favorably regarded by many farmers and horse keepers. Besides doing a number on folks' gardens, their burrows are a real hazard for horses, who can easily break their legs from a misstep into one. For this reason, they are common target practice throughout the countryside.
Though you wouldn't guess from their name, groundhogs are adept climbers! I have witnessed them on several occasions scampering up a nearby tree trunk and perching precariously on a limb to get away from nearby dogs.
This year, both Punxsutawney Phil and Gordy the Groundhog fully emerged, predicting an early spring. However, before you get out your shorts and flip flops, remember that most years, their predictions turn out to be wrong!
