Role of Ambient Temperature in Emergence of Woodchucks (Marmota monax) from Hibernation

Abstract

The dates of emergence from its burrow of the 1st woodchuck of the year over a 13 yr period ranged from Jan 29 to Feb 13 in south-central Pennsylvania [USA]. Emergence of subsequent woodchucks was correlated with periods of warm weather. It seems likely that terminal arousal from hibernation is controlled by a circannual clock and that actual emergence depends on the daily temperature.