Did you know groundhogs can swim? I sure didn't. I knew they can climb trees and do on occasion, but swim?

My dad was getting done with the mowing (he's my groundskeeper ), and yelled for me to get the gun. When I showed up he pointed out a groundhog which I dispatched. Said he thought I had an otter swimming across the trout pond until it stepped out of the water and headed across my neighbor's field. Definitely a groundhog as I picked it up after I shot it.

Why it chose to swim when it could have easily gone around the pond is a puzzle to me. This species must be at home in ground, water, and air.

Cecil,

I saw one swim across my pond just this past weekend. I was just as surprised as you. Maybe it is a trait found only in Northern Indiana groundhogs

I'm sure we will find out as more people see this thread. Be warned people in Texas will probably tell you they are not only bigger there, but can drive the farm tractor or something absurd like that.

They say Man is the only animal that can swim a mile, walk 20 miles, and then climb a tree. But if you shorten the distances some and add digging a hole, I think you're down to just groundhogs.

Digging a hole with its bare hands to boot!

I'm sure we will find out as more people see this thread. Be warned people in Texas will probably tell you they are not only bigger there, but can drive the farm tractor or something absurd like that. Cecil you're killin me but anyone that calls a 25 acre body of water a waterin hole does have a different perception of things.

Yeah they call them "tanks" if I remember right. And calling bluegills "perch" is just unforgivable.

I saw a groundhog about a half mile from shore in a lake. He was either really lost and really interested in looking for the tale that the grass is greener on the other side...