Groundhog (Marmota monax), also known as the woodchuck ---------
The groundhog, also known as the woodchuck, is a rodent and belongs in the group of large ground squirrels known as marmots. They are common down in the valley of the Little Maquoketa River and we have seen them many times sitting next to the highway, near the river, or in the ravines that lead into the river. In all the years since we live here we have never seen one up on the bluffs, until today. The photo was made right from my office window and it looks like this guy was smiling at me while I pressed the shutter release button of the camera…