Marmota monax (species)
- Scope note
- Members of a species of giant-sized, stocky, North American burrowing ground squirrel, common in the northeastern and central United States, north to Alaska and southeast to Alabama. According to popular legend in the United States, the woodchuck emerges from hibernation to predict the coming of warm weather each year on February 2, designated as Groundhog Day and corresponding to the older Christian feast day, the Purification of the Virgin Mary, and to more ancient ceremonies marking the mid-point between the solstice and equinox.
- Date of creation: 18-Nov-2024
Accepted term: 18-Nov-2024