Cute Baby Groundhog Marmotte Murmeltier Cushion

This cute baby groundhog, aka woodchuck, whistle-pig, was out nibbling wild strawberries and other delights in Jacques Cartier Park, Gatineau (Hull), Quebec, when it was startled by me, and dashed into the leafy underbrush. Groundhogs belong to the marmot family. In French she is la marmotte, in German das Murmeltier. The ground hog is related to guinea pigs, rabbits and mice. Here she is peeking out from beneath the leaves, shy but curious. The groundhog (Marmota monax) is found throughout the world and is native to Canada and the northeastern United States. Groundhogs or woodchucks dig roomy burrows underground, creating a complex of rooms, with several entrance holes. Each room has its own purpose - sleeping, grooming and mating, raising babies, and so on. This endearing animal is generally vegetarian. It eats roots, leaves, berries, grass and, occasionally, grubs or insects. It's especially famous for Groundhog Day, February 2, which brings a prediction for spring. This day began as a Pennsylvania German custom and spread throughout the Americas. It's based in an earlier European tradition of a weather badger or sacred bear. According to folklore, if a groundhog comes out of its burrow on this day and it's cloudy or overcast, then spring will come early. If the weather is sunny, the groundhog supposedly sees its shadow and goes back into its hole, meaning the winter weather will continue for another six weeks. This is of course a myth, but that doesn't stop us from celebrating every year, as we definitely look forward to spring. This adorable couch cushion makes a great present for housewarming, birthday, souvenir of Canada, friendship gift, whatever your heart desires. You can also use the customise option to add text if you like :) Original nature photo M Sylvia Chaume, Gatineau (Hull) Quebec, Canada, eh!