On Black Sheep Farms, we have a resident woodchuck. We had heard tale of the monstrous rodent and even caught a glimpse of it last year. But nothing was to prepare us for the encounter we had on Thursday evening.
As I was getting water for our poultry, I heard Lexie sound an alert similar to her “intruder” bark. As I went to investigate, I was shocked to see that she had cornered a woodchuck near the grapevines in our orchard. The beast was standing its ground and making chattering noises with its terrible teeth.
I called for Kelly and the boys, then turned to the house to collect them and our camera. Surely, this encounter must be documented, I thought. As I moved away, Lexie became distracted, and the woodchuck took the opportunity to flee. It bounded further into the orchard and attempted to leap into a nearby apple tree. I thought that the ‘chuck would retake a defensive posture near the tree by the time of my return.
As my family exited the house and approached the orchard, brimming with excitement and wonder, we did not find the creature on the ground. A series of unearthly squawks and toothsome chatter led us to the woodchuck’s safe harbor: six feet above ground in an apple tree. Here is proof that what I say is true:
We discovered that woodchucks are versitile creatures, akin in spirit, if not size, to the mighty squirrel.
-Brian
Denise Muller
/ August 16, 2009Aw… I think he’s kind of cute!
Jill Tamila
/ August 17, 2009We have them everywhere here..although known as groundhogs…or dinner depending on if you ask an original appalachian:) I had no idea they could climb trees though.
Amy Shreve
/ August 19, 2009We had one that hung out in our backyard last year. I used to sit on my porch watching him climb the pine trees, the woodpile. I had to look him up on the web because I was convinced that groundhogs don’t climb!