Marmots

First. Americans and Canadians. Happy Groundhog Day!

Did you know groundhogs, also known as woodchucks, are about the size of a house cat, can swim, climb trees and burrow where they hibernate from about October to March or April? I suppose that's why Punxsutawney Phil is dragged out of hibernation to predict whether he'll emerge permanently in March or in April.

I don't know if there will be six more weeks of winter in PA, but it is most certainly winter today in BE. The wind chill this morning is minus 21 degrees Celsius (-6 F = bitter cold by any standard). We are now keeping our ice cream on the patio.

The European groundhog is the marmot. Same as a groundhog/woodchuck/large squirrel. Those who know them best often refer to them as a nuisance.

As far as I know, there is no Marmot Day in Belgium nor a large squirrel weather forecaster.

Marmots usually dine on grass and insects. Agricultural crops are also a favorite when available. Smakelijk!

They will actually eat nearly anything and it doesn't necessarily have to be edible. Their menu often includes car insulation, radiator hoses and anti-freeze, poisonous to all except the marmot. Bon appetit!

I've heard they can wreak havoc under the hood of a VW, apparently more tasty than say, a GM or BMW. So take care to protect your auto should you find yourself in an area with groundhogs/woodchucks/marmots, weathermen or just large squirrels.

Even if you haven't seen this movie, it's still a good song :)