THE EDUCATIONAL HUMANE SOCIETY 



281 



THE WOODCHUCK IN ITS WINTER'S SLEEP IN A BOX OF HAY IN OUR OFFICE. 



hay and woodchuck was removed from 

 the dark chamber. Most of the hay 

 was cut into pieces only a few inches 

 long and curiously matted and en- 

 twined around a cavity, reminding one 

 of the weaving of sticks and grasses in 

 the nest of a field mouse. Closely 

 fitted into this cavity, and curled up 

 for his winter's "sleep" or hibernation, 

 was the woodchuck. The little animal 

 was warm and the breathing was regu- 

 lar. Though handled freely, yet ten- 

 derly, the only sign of awakening was 

 a slight unrolling as if affected by the 

 warmth of the hands. 



A long box was provided. One end 

 was covered with wire netting, the 

 other with boards. In this "little bed- 

 room" end the ball of fur was tenderly 

 packed in hay. When little wood- 

 chuck awakens in the spring there is 



an opening ready for his exit into the 

 wire covered section where he will 

 probably give notice that he is awake 

 and prepared for the season's activi- 

 ties. We greatly desire to know on 

 just what day he will be ready for 

 food and water, and to be placed in a 

 cage with room for exercise. The 

 "sleeping" box is now in a corner of 

 the cellar where it will be cool and yet 

 not freezing cold. 



Later. — This article was written last 

 winter. The woodchuck awakened 

 several times during the winter and 

 remained awake for a day or two. In 

 the spring the sleeping periods became 

 shorter. At the time this number of 

 The; Guide to Nature goes to press he 

 is in the pet house as active as ever. 



