The Different Species of Marmot Found Around the World

With Groundhogโ€™s Day just around the corner, we thought it would be nice to give the little critters a bit of an honor. You may not know that groundhogs are marmots, but they are! In fact, there are several different species of marmots found all over the world, and groundhogs are just one of them. Continue below to learn some fun facts about Groundhog Day and groundhogs, as well as, the common species of marmot found all over the world!

Indianapolis Groundhog Removal and Control
Indianapolis Groundhog Removal and Control 317-875-3099

Groundhog Day

Groundhog Day is an annual tradition practiced in both Canada and the United States to predict when spring will arrive. Every year, on February 2nd, thousands of excited citizens gather around to see if the groundhog will emerge out of its burrow and cast a shadow of itself. If the groundhog has no shadow, it is said to signify 6 more weeks of winter. But if the groundhog casts a shadow, then spring is near! This tradition is derived from an old Pennsylvanian Dutch superstition that implies that if a groundhog comes out of its den and can see its own shadow, the skies are clear and the sun is shining, which indicates that spring is soon to come. Oppositely, if there is no groundhog shadow, it indicates a longer winter.

Groundhog Facts

Groundhogs are also known as woodchucks or whistlepigs. Scientifically, their species name is Marmota monax, and they are part of the Rodentia Order, Sciuridae family, and of course, Marmota genus. This makes them a species of marmot. The Sciuridae family also includes squirrels and chipmunks, while the Rodentia order retains rodents like mice and rats.

Indianapolis Groundhog Removal and Control
Indianapolis Groundhog Removal and Control

Marmots

Marmots are large-sized ground squirrels, and the heaviest rodent relative in the animal kingdom. There are 15 known species of marmot, including both old world and new world marmots. They are native to parts all over the globe, such as Asia, Europe and North America. In appearance, marmots have husky legs, large claws for digging, stoutly bodies, narrow heads, and sharp incisors that can quickly chew down all sorts of vegetation.

In the winter they hibernate in underground burrows and dens, so you do not see much of them. But once spring emerges, so do they, in search of food, water, and mates. They mainly eat mainly eat plants, as well as many types of grasses, berries, lichens, mosses, roots, and flowers. Most are very sociable, and even whistle to communicate with other marmots, especially when scared or in danger.

Old World Marmots – Eastern Hemisphere

๐Ÿพ Gray or Altai Marmot (Marmota baibacina)
๐Ÿพ Bobac or Steppe Marmot (Marmota bobac )
๐Ÿพ Black-Capped Marmot (Marmota camtschatica)
๐Ÿพ Long-Tailed Marmot (Marmota caudata)
๐Ÿพ Golden or Red Marmot (M. caudata aurea)
๐Ÿพ Himalayan Marmot (Marmota himalayana)
๐Ÿพ Alpine Marmot (Marmota marmota)
๐Ÿพ Menzbier’s Marmot (Marmota menzbieri)
๐Ÿพ Tarvaga, Tarbagan or Mongolian Marmot (Marmota sibirica)

New World Marmots – Western Hemisphere

๐Ÿพ Marmota broweri — Alaska, Brower’s or Brooks Range marmot
๐Ÿพ Marmota caligata — hoary marmot
๐Ÿพ Marmota flaviventris — yellow-bellied marmot
๐Ÿพ Marmota monax — woodchuck or groundhog
๐Ÿพ Marmota olympus — Olympic marmot
๐Ÿพ Marmota vancouverensis — Vancouver Island marmot

Stop Nuisance Groundhog Activity in Spring

If you live near a lake, river, stream, or pond, your home could be at risk of nuisance groundhog activity. Although they do not mean to, groundhogs are capable of causing an enormous amount of damage to properties, including lawns, dams, patios, docks, and more. If you have spotted groundhogs on your property in the past, now is the time to implement the necessary strategies to prevent them from interfering with your lot. Contact a local wildlife control company for expert advice and service you can trust.

Central Indiana Groundhog Removal and Control

Call Budget Animal Removal at 317-875-3099 for fast and affordable groundhog removal and control in Indianapolis, Indiana. Our DNR licensed wildlife removal specialists offer wild animal abatement services, cleanup and minor restorations for animal damages, 24 hour emergency service, free estimates, and more! Request a free estimate, today.

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Today is National Squirrel Appreciation Day!

Did you know that today, January 21st, is the annual National Squirrel Appreciation Day? Itโ€™s True!

Americans all across the country celebrate this day by giving back a little more to the local squirrel populations within our communities. You too can do your part to support the neighborhood squirrels, all without posing any risk of animal damage to your property. Continue below to learn some fun facts about squirrels, as well as, some tips for showing your appreciation for these furry little critters this season!

Indianapolis Squirrel Removal and Control
National Squirrel Appreciation Day – January 21st

Fun Facts About Squirrels

Squirrels are small to medium-sized rodents that can fall under one or more of the three following categories: 1) Tree squirrel, 2) Ground squirrel, and 3) Flying squirrel. They belong to the Animalia family, Sciuridae, which also includes animals like chipmunks and prairie dogs, as well as, woodchucks, groundhogs, and other species of marmot. ย 

They are most known for their big bushy tails and tiny dexterous paws. They range in size, depending on species, gender, and basic genetics. For instance, the African pygmy squirrel can be as small as 7 to 10 centimeters and weigh less than half an ounce, whereas the Alpine marmot measures in at over 2 feet long and up to 18 pounds!

Squirrels live in wooded or forested areas where there is an abundance of trees, undergrowth, and plants, as well as a reliable water source. This is also due to their primary diet of nuts, seeds, flowers, mushrooms, and herbaceous plants.

Some squirrels prefer widely-spaced forests with oaks, pines, and mixed tree species, while others, like the Eastern grey, squirrel, prefers trees that are closer together in order to move from tree to tree between canopies. They either build their nests out of tree branches, leaves, and organic material, or they find a tree cavity for shelter.

Supporting Local Squirrel Colonies

To do your part and support your local neighborhood squirrels, you can hang squirrel houses and feeders on the perimeter of your property. You can also modify your outdoor environments to thwart squirrels from getting too close to your structures. Ultimately, such modifications will deliver protection to squirrels because it keeps them in their safe and natural habitat, rather than your chimney or attic.

Dealing With a Nuisance Squirrel Problem?

If you have a nuisance squirrel problem in or around your property, never poison, trap, or harm them under any circumstances. Instead, always use safe and humane methods to control nuisance squirrels, such as a natural repellent. See our blog, โ€œNon-Toxic Repellent Recipe for Nuisance Wildlifeโ€ to learn how to make your very own at home. If your squirrel problem persists, please contact a licensed wildlife removal company that can provide non-lethal squirrel removal and control services.

Safe Squirrel Removal and Control for Indiana

Call Budget Animal Removal at 317-875-3099 for fast and affordable wildlife removal and control services for squirrels in Indianapolis, Indiana. Our DNR licensed wildlife removal specialists offer wild animal abatement services, cleanup and minor restorations for animal damages, 24 hour emergency service, free estimates, and more! We work with all species of Indiana wildlife, except dogs, cats, and waterfowl. Request a free estimate, today.

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