Groundhogs: incidental archaeologists, mystical meteorologists

Despite being the only rodent with a holiday to its name, groundhogs are often considered pests.However, these natural-born diggers have unearthed rare artifacts, play a pivotal role in shaping ecosystems, and are tied to important breakthroughs in hepatitis B treatments. Plus they’re pretty cute. So in this episode, a special Groundhog Day edition of our Holy Scat series, we’re digging up as many amazing factoids about these creatures as we possibly can. Featuring: David Scofield, Amanda Gillen, Eric D’Aleo, Joe Bruchac, and Sandra SextonSUPPORTDonate to support the show and get your hands on a limited edition Outside/In opossum camp mug!Subscribe to our FREE newsletter.Follow Outside/In on Instagram or Twitter, or join our private discussion group on Facebook LINKSYoutube video of a whistling groundhogNBC News video of Groundhog Day 2022 predictionRead more about the Meadowcroft Rockshelter – the oldest known site of human habitation in North America, discovered by a groundhog.Read this 1996 article about hepatitis B research using the woodchuck animal model at Cornell University. CREDITSHost: Nate HegyiReported and produced by Felix PoonEdited by Taylor QuimbyRebecca Lavoie is our Executive ProducerMusic for this episode by Blue Dot Sessions. Our theme music is by Breakmaster Cylinder.