Groundhog

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Also known as a woodchuck

//Marmota monax// Order: Rodentia

=**__Husbandry Information__**=

Diet Requirements

 * Mainly herbivores, eating wild grasses, berries and crops. They will also occassionally consume grubs, grasshoppers and other insects but are not considered to be omnivores.

Veterinary Concerns

 * Can be seasonally difficult to anesthetize due to slow metabolism/torpor.

Notes on Enrichment & Training


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Tips on Handling

 * Hand-raised captive bred individual was difficult to handle.

Potential Messaging
> housing, and social needs that are difficult or impossible for even dedicated pet owners to meet. Always ensure that your future pet has not been taken from the wild. Capture of wild animals for the pet trade has significantly damaged the survival prospects of species such as sloths, tamanduas, and many parrots. Captured animals are typically mistreated by profit-motivated traffickers and dealers, resulting in many animal deaths; well-meaning animal lovers may feel like they are rescuing animals by purchasing them but are really perpetuating the cruelty. In addition, many exotic pets are released by their owners when they become too dangerous or demanding, often with devastating effects on local ecosystems. Animals that should never be kept as pets include all bats, primates, and exotic carnivores. Birds, fish, and reptiles have specialized needs, are frequently wild-caught, and damage the local environment if released; guests should be advised to educate themselves and proceed with caution. Domestic dogs and cats are almost always the best option! Many deserving animals are available for adoption at animal shelters. [] []
 * In general, animals seen at the zoo do not make good pets. Most have specialized dietary, veterinary,

=__Acquisition Information__=

=__Comments from the Rating System__=
 * Natural Science Center of Greensboro: ours is bonded to certain individuals; easy care; can be harness-trained; dormant during the winter months.
 * Toledo Zoo: I would not consider this a good animal for holding while presenting.

=__Natural History Information__=

Threats and Conservation Status
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=__Contributors and Citations__=
 * Houston Zoo, Natural Encounters