Groundhog In A Tree

We have seen many things during our outdoor explorations, but the last thing we ever expected to see was a Groundhog sitting high up in a tree.

Groundhogs typically are seen strolling around on the ground in places like farm fields and other green spaces such as this one we observed in our local park.

One time, a Groundhog surprised us by coming right up to our back door.

One cannot deny the cuteness of young Groundhogs like those in this family group simply enjoying some nuts on a warm fall morning.

Being young and inexperienced, this pair of kits were quite content to have us take their photographs.

Bob and I had always thought that a Groundhog’s domain was either on or under the ground, but then we watched this chunky Groundhog climb up on a pile of our old lumber.

It made for a good perch from which to observe us working in the garden.  As it turns out, Groundhogs can scale a lot more than just a pile of lumber.

A few years ago, we came upon this Groundhog, the first one that we had ever seen sitting high up in a tree.

We had never contemplated a Groundhog’s ability to climb until then. Groundhogs have strong legs and are very good at using their claws to scale trees or fence posts, or whatever strikes their fancy.

That point was proved by the number of scratches and marks left behind on the side of this tree and leading up to where the Hog was sitting.

So why would a Groundhog climb a tree?  From what we understand, it is their nature to scale trees when they feel threatened by predators around them.

Coyotes and Red Foxes both inhabit the area where we saw this Groundhog holding on for dear life.

This Groundhog first made his presence known when we spotted him running quickly across the laneway from a farm field.

Our most recent sighting of a Groundhog sitting high up in a tree was where we know that a family of Coyotes live.

Perhaps this one, too, was taking to high ground for personal safety.

Next time you are out and about in Nature, take a look high above you.  With luck you might sight a Groundhog watching you from above.

Frame To Frame – Bob and Jean