Baby Groundhog Petite Marmotte Spring in Canada Postcard

Happy springtime! This cute groundhog was surprised in her wild strawberry patch in Jacques Cartier park in Hull (Gatineau, Quebec) Canada. Such pretty brown eyes! She hurried into hiding but, being very curious, had to peek out to see what I was doing - besides stealing her strawberries! She was not adverse to a few photos. If you want, you can change the text right on the product page to suit your liking. The Groundhog is known in Latin as Marmota monax; in French, la marmotte; German, das Murmeltier; various terms in English include groundhog, woodchuck, whistle-pig and Canada marmot. Groundhogs create intricate burrows and chambers under the earth, with tunnels leading to entrances and exits. Their houses are composed of various chambers, each with a different purpose - hibernation in winter, mating, raising babies, eating or storing food. They're social creatures and enjoy grooming and petting each other. If trouble appears, a watchful marmot will whistle shrilly, warning everyone in the area to duck for cover. Generally herbivores, groundhogs sometimes snack on small insects like grubs or grasshoppers. Although bashful they are friendly and can be attracted if you patiently tempt them with carrots or other yummy edibles. Plump amiable rodents, groundhogs may be seen in grassy ditches, meadows and fields, parks and other open spaces, and may have little fear of people. However they are a bane to large animal keepers such as farmers and ranchers as a cow or horse can step into a hole and break its leg. Thus, woodchucks are often shot or trapped by the property owner. This pretty young groundhog has no such worries, as she lives in a beautiful park right next to the north shore of the Ottawa River. This natural spontaneous photograph is a super souvenir of Canada, Quebec or Gatineau / Hull, or excellent gift for yourself or another special person in your life; for a friend, colleague, co-worker, writer, journalist, creative or artistic person, nature lover or fan of cute baby animals! Original photo by local artist M Sylvia Chaume. Love all!