They dont like water that much, so they only get in if theyre afraid or hungry enough. Generally, Groundhog doesnt drink water as much. Either hand that they have to assist with life in the water is entirely waterproof. They are known to be excellent architects. If a groundhog sees a predator approaching, it will quickly scurry into its burrow for safety. Groundhogs are not considered dangerous to humans. Groundhogs are the bane of many a gardener. 5. In fact, they are very active during the day, but they still roam outside their dens in the night. Groundhogs, or woodchucks, are large rodents known for their burrowing habits and destructive behavior. EDITOR'S NOTE: This video was originally published in May 2019. They are rodents and instantly at the areas where woodlands meet open space like roads or even streams. Groundhogs enter into deep hibernation in the winter, at which time they are underground and inactive. They dig burrows that can be wide. Groundhogs can swim at about 2 miles per hour. Groundhog families disperse in the fall, and the young reach sexual maturity by two years. They spend the fall months (prior to hibernation) feeding on protein-heavy, rich foods to build fat reserves. The groundhog had to swim to get to the tree, there's no way around it. as well as other partner offers and accept our. You can trap them and release them somewhere else, or you can kill them. Groundhog hibernation gave rise to the popular U.S. custom of Groundhog Day, held on the second of February every year. For example, they communicate with one another using high-pitched shrills to warn each other of approaching threats. Photo: Ingimage, Chris Whittier, V97, research assistant professor of conservation medicine at Cummings School, shares the dirt on these important enormous, whistling, burrowing squirrels. A good shake should do it! Other names for groundhogs include woodchucks, whistle-pigs and land-beavers. But can groundhogs swim? Pregnancy goes by fast for them. However, most chicken fencing types will do. The name whistle-pig comes from the fact that, when alarmed, a groundhog will emit a high-pitched whistle as a warning to the rest of his or her colony. Manage Settings Beaver - Large in size with a large flat tail. Groundhogs love eating vegetables like celery . After that, it will continue digging horizontally for another 15 to 25 feet. Groundhog typically moves at 3-kilo meters per hour ( around 1.86 miles per hour ). The name whistle-pig, which is most common in Appalachia, stems from groundhogs habit of making a high-pitched whistling sound, usually as a warning to other groundhogs when they feel threatened. They also eat insects like grasshoppers, snails, and bugs when they can get their hands on them. These ground squirrels are mostly found in the eastern parts of the United States, mainly in an . The groundhog, or woodchuck, is one of 14 species of marmots. Deter with garlic and pepper. Unfortunately, sometimes nature and humans intervene. Groundhogs are skilled climbers and swimmers, which helps them to escape less-skilled predators. Here they eat grasses and plants as well as fruits and tree bark. This keeps the woodchuck from getting under the fence. Are Woodchucks dangerous to humans? [3] In and out of them as crops and climate change. News stories have shown "stranded" groundhogs during floods were, in fact, simply resting on fences or in trees before swimming off to wherever they can find rest. Is it dangerous to scuba dive with sharks? They do not stay in bodies of water if they can help it. How Do Deer Survive Harsh Winter Weather? Primarily herbivores, groundhogs eat a variety of plants, including from peoples gardens. A groundhog photographed in Lincoln, Nebraska. That said, it's still important to watch your back when exploring the outdoors or living in neighborhoods prowled by groundhogs. Because of their relatively large adult size and burrowingnot to mention climbing and swimming abilitiesgroundhogs dont have many predators aside from coyotes, foxes, domestic dogs, and, of course, humans. [3][36] While he played with the Padres, the couple lived within walking distance of Petco Park, the home stadium of the Padres, during the season, and returned to Morgantown during the offseason. Either hand that they have to assist with life in the water is entirely waterproof. Groundhogs are skilled climbers and swimmers, which helps them to escape less-skilled predators. 6 inches and weighs 4 to 9 pounds. Even though they are often found near water, groundhogs are not necessarily happy swimmers. Groundhogs are large rodents in the Marmot family with widely known destructive behavior, and burrowing prowess. You can find groundhogs all over the central and eastern US. Do woodchucks actually chuck wood check out the answer to learn more about why they are named woodchucks! Heavy rains can cause flooding to the groundhogs homes. Five Things You Didnt Know about Groundhogs, Jean Mayer USDA Human Nutrition Research Center on Aging, Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy, masters program in conservation medicine. From head to rump, groundhogs are 17.75 to 24 inches (45 to 61 centimeters) long, according to National Geographic. Rather, groundhogs will swim in order to reach a source of food or to escape a predator. They stay hydrated by eating food plants wet from rain or dew. So that pretty little garden or that freshly mowed lawn, that is a free-for-all for groundhogs. Groundhogs live in underground burrows, but often build a separate winter burrow for hibernation. Raw people do not drink water. The diet of the groundhog consists mainly of the vegetation surrounding its home. Apart from having a much smoother, less fluffy, tail, they look pretty much like a scruffy groundhog! Researches have made clear that raccoons can swim at a mean . Groundhogs, or woodchucks, are very similar and are related species to gophers, but not the same animal. Socialization: Groundhogs are mostly solitary animals, only seeking out other groundhogs to mate. Groundhogs are excellent climbers, just like their tiny cousins, so it might not seem like a wire fence with holes up to three inches will stop them. ins.style.display='block';ins.style.minWidth=container.attributes.ezaw.value+'px';ins.style.width='100%';ins.style.height=container.attributes.ezah.value+'px';container.appendChild(ins);(adsbygoogle=window.adsbygoogle||[]).push({});window.ezoSTPixelAdd(slotId,'stat_source_id',44);window.ezoSTPixelAdd(slotId,'adsensetype',1);var lo=new MutationObserver(window.ezaslEvent);lo.observe(document.getElementById(slotId+'-asloaded'),{attributes:true});They also use water to help keep their fur clean and free of dirt and debris. Here's what we really know. Then they go back to sleep for another month or so until its time to mate. They weigh around 13 lbs. While many Americans would recognize famed Punxsutawney Phil as a groundhog, they may not know much else about the species. Groundhogs like grassy open areas because they don't have big obstacles like tree roots and giant rocks. Why use fins in swim training? Create vibrations in the ground to scare them away. They provide food for coyotes, foxes, weasels, badgers, hawks, and eagles. Groundhogs are generally not a threat to humans, but they can be a nuisance if they invade your yard or garden. Stable. Groundhogs Can Swim - Who Knew??? If you think you're watching a Groundhog, your best bet might be to observe what it does when it reaches its destination. That discovery made sense because when I first approached my observation spot I saw a groundhog first look round and then scurry down the hill near the riverbank. Not in a day, and not by twins. Groundhogs have an impressive lung capacity that allows them to hold their breath long enough to discourage predators from pursuing them. They usually dive for 4.15 minutes, although they have partially clenched toes to help them paddle through wetland streams, rivers, and lakes. Groundhogs weigh between 4-14 pounds, and are stocky, giving the appearance of crouching close to the ground as it moves around. Best known for their supposed ability to predict spring weather and giving Bill Murray Dj vu, the groundhog is one of the most notorious garden pests in the Eastern US. When groundhogs come into contact with water, they will often shake their bodies to dry off. My favorite ultrasonic emitters. Swimming skills_Swimming skills diagram_Swimming ventilation skills. They might not be friendly but they are not aggressive too. Required fields are marked *. Groundhogs usually have two divisions, one for summer (meadow) and one for wooden winter places. Even though groundhogs can climb trees doesnt mean that they will climb trees all the time. They live, breed, and hibernate underground. But before they can do that, they have to dig, and dig, and dig, and dig, and dig, and dig. What do groundhogs eat? It is rare to see groundhogs attacking a human. Therefore many people would like to get rid of them and one solution is to flood their burrows. While hibernating, the animal's heart rate plunges, and its body temperature is not much warmer than the temperature inside its burrow. Here are five takeaways from Whittier as we look forward to Groundhog Day: 1. You should give your Groundhog a chance to take a bath a couple of times a week, especially if your home is debris from your pets.if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'animalstruth_com-large-mobile-banner-2','ezslot_6',640,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-animalstruth_com-large-mobile-banner-2-0'); READ Do Groundhogs Eat earthworm?Continue, READ Do groundhogs have good hearing?Continue, Your email address will not be published. And wherever they are, they make their presence known. Groundhogs are comfortable in temperatures that range from 60-80 degrees Fahrenheit, but they can overheat if the temperature gets too high. The tunnel may have up to five entrances and 50 feet of total tunnel distance. Unauthorized use is prohibited. They are skilled climbers and swimmers that help them escape from less-skilled predators, Their net legs make it easy to swim, and the paddles allow you to sail the water. This means that loud or consistent noises will scare them away or at least shorten their visits significantly! Groundhogs construct burrows and eat a broad range of vegetation. Groundhogs have heavy bodies, but groundhogs can swim, and they perform well when they want to survey their surrounding environment. If you follow them, they will usually hide inside the holes. But when necessary, groundhogs can carry their own in the water. They're actually the largest species in the squirrel family, and they are equally ubiquitous. These plants will keep rodents like groundhogs, groundhogs, and mice away because they dont like the smell of these and they mask the smell of the delicious plants. Groundhogs are herbivores and eat grasses, other plants, berries, grains, and nuts; however, they occasionally eat other foods such as insects (e.g., grasshoppers) or other small animals. These rodents frequent the areas where woodlands meet open spaces, like fields, roads, or streams. As an animal that hibernates, groundhogs are known to store fat as winter approaches. Some of the links on this site are affiliate links. What do groundhogs not like? When can i go swimming after a cornea transplant? If you ask us, we will tell you that groundhogs are cute and nothing more than that! To keep the growth of the front teeth in check the groundhogs have to constantly chew or gnaw on leaves or grass. Known as an "edge" species, groundhogs prefer transitional areas where forest or woodland meets a well-vegetated open field or meadow. Young groundhogs are called kits, pups, or sometimes chucklings. As far as groundhogs are concerned, I can't say whether or not they like to swim but something had to motivate the one that I saw halfway up a small willow tree in the Wetlands last week. They also love to stay dry, themselves, if they can help it, which is why they avoid getting into water if possible. Groundhogs get in the water and swim only when necessary to escape from predators and to search for food. You only need about 1 tablespoon of crushed chili pepper and garlic along with 1 cup of vinegar per half a gallon of water. The groundhogs fur does not accumulate dirt, but dust and dirt slide off easily. In addition to that, groundhogs can function normally even when water conditions are extremely cold. 1. But sometimes they increase when they alarm two, and it instantly gallops a 16-kilo meter per hour (about 9.94 miles per hour ). Groundhog burrows are so complex that each has its own "bathroom" chamber. Groundhogs are neat creatures and regularly clean their burrows by changing the nesting material. All rights reserved. You can use old CDs you no longer need or aluminum trays from takeaway containers, just make sure they reflect light well. They are hydrated by eating plants moistened by rain or dew. Groundhogs are not high-maintenance when it comes to keeping clean. By clicking Sign up, you agree to receive marketing emails from Insider These burrows are not only potentially helpful to soils for aeration and nutrient recycling, but they are often used by other burrowing animals such as foxes, opossums, raccoons, and skunks. They are even reported to eat other small animals such as baby birds. Shallow Water Blackout. Groundhogs live in areas near water like streams, lakes, and ponds. The groundhog tunnel is designed to prevent flooding. there are a few things you can do to get rid of them. They are strict herbivores and eat a variety of vegetables including soybeans, beans, peas, carrot tops, alfalfa and . About Groundhog research scientific only stay underwater for approximately 15 to 20 minutes. A groundhog photographed in Lincoln, Nebraska. [8] Try this exercise several times, and try to exhale with less force each time so you can practice controlling your breath. Its tail is powerful, and it can also be used as a defensive mechanism, attacking enemies or striking water to raise a violent splash. Groundhogs are also variously referred to as woodchucks, whistle-pigs, or land-beavers. In my experience, they really work, and the solar panels on top save you the time and money of changing batteries all the time. A fence should be at least 2 feet tall and sunk in the ground about 8 inches. But if you shorten the distances some and add digging a hole, I think you're down to just groundhogs. Groundhogs are also known as woodchucks not only eat garden crops but also eat worms and insects sometimes. Shallow Water Blackout happens when a swimmer or diver faints in shallow water, which is less than 16 feet (5 meters) deep. Scarecrows may look a little funny in your garden, but they work surprisingly well. This is why it is important for them to stick close to the shoreline when they are near water sources and they tend to only spend a short time in the water as they cannot easily run to hide in their burrows! Groundhogs do not love water but they can go in and swim if necessary. These rodents usually dig burrows in grassy areas and eat through gardens causing a lot of damage. Bodies of water like these are great food sources and provide a quick escape when the groundhogs are pursued by predators. So maybe don't keep them near your face. of vegetation a day. They dig tunnels in the ground over 40 feet long, and five mice for deep swimming are great swimmers 6 They can climb trees and swim even though they spend most of the time on the ground for playing and surveying. They might be called groundhogs, but they're not related to hogs at all. YES! This allows them to stay submerged for extended periods of time if necessary as they have fairly low oxygen requirements.A groundhog can dive and hold its breath underwater for a few minutes, but it cannot breathe underwater! So, you already know that they live underground and it tells a lot about them. Between spring and fall, they double their body weight. WWII soldiers accidentally discovered this ancient royal tomb, Why some people celebrate Christmas in January. Let's study! Top editors give you the stories you want delivered right to your inbox each weekday. Muskrat - Smallest in size with a long, scaly tail. How many divisions does a groundhog have? Why is it important to identify groundhog damage early? Groundhog burrows are so complex that each has its own "bathroom" chamber. How long can a groundhog stay underwater? Gyorko has twin boys. No other reason. Groundhog holes may be located near trees, walls or fences. While groundhogs typically avoid water, there are a few reasons why they may go near it or even enter it. But what other attributes do they possess? But that's not the interesting thing. Groundhogs bring their young with them when they go to the upper grounds for safety. Though they are usually seen on the ground, groundhogs can climb trees and are also capable swimmers. The groundhogs tunnel is made in such a way that it will be secure from flooding in most cases. Groundhogs do not drink water. Placing CDs or tin foil and mirrors around your yard is another cheap and effective way to create light reflections that blind and scare groundhogs.This may sound a little old-fashioned but it still works! The groundhog is a large ground-dwelling rodent commonly found throughout eastern North America and much of Canada. Unauthorized use is prohibited. Each burrow opening is between 10 to 12 inches in diameter and is generally marked by a crescent-shaped mound of dirt. You can already see how scared little animals . Groundhogs go into profound hibernation, greatly reducing their metabolic rate, and their body temperature drops to just a few degrees above ambient temperature. Groundhogs are mostly herbivores, and their diet consists of roots, flowers, and other plant material. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Similar to beavers, groundhogs have rapidly growing incisors, which they keep from growing too long by chewing and gnawing on just about anything they can get their teeth on, including cables, hoses, and other rubbery materials. Groundhogs can swim in order to evade predators or survey their territory for potential food sources. The lifespan of a raccoon in the wild is one to three years-compared with the potential to live 20 years in captivity-as most fall victim to predation, disease or moving cars at a relatively young age. For some $30, you will get six packs with four 1.75-inch tubes in each. Groundhogs are doing it right. Babies prefer warmer water, so you should find for a pool heated to from 30C to 32C until your baby gets a little older Make, Yes For a large, relatively fat rodent, they do pretty well. Their burrows can harm crops, weaken foundations of buildings, and damage farm equipment that may fall in. In short, herbivore is aggressive. can you catch a cold from swimming in cold water. They will dig and chew almost anything thats on their path. Woodchucks occasionally climb trees when they require an escape from big predators. They live underground by digging tunnels/holes called burrows. Groundhog. On a sunny winter day they may come out, said French. Fun Fact: Groundhogs look lumpy but they can swim and climb trees. They are hydrated by eating plants moistened by rain or dew. Like other related rodents, groundhogs are not afraid of water and are perfectly capable of swimming and even, though more rarely, diving! This year, we probably know the answer: winter hasnt been very wintry. Fishers are larger and darker than martens and have thick fur. Yeah, that's right, groundhogs can climb too. Spray this mixture on any exposed parts of the plant until completely covered. With a proper diet, healthy life, and daily grooming, the groundhog will stay nice and clean without having to get wet. The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency posted a video to Facebook on Monday of the. You can make a trap yourself with some wire and ingenuity. Squirrels are agile. (However, baby groundhogs sometimes do fall prey to raptors such as hawks, owls, and eagles.). Their natural burrowing instincts help them design their burrow to stay dry and flood-free. For the best experience on our site, be sure to turn on Javascript in your browser. That is, groundhogs don't swim for fun. One reason why groundhogs may go into the water is to escape predators. Using live traps to catch the groundhog and drive it away to somewhere safe, but far away, is perhaps the best option if you want to get completely rid of groundhogs in your yard! They are well-equipped for survival. Therefore, it is safe to say that groundhogs cannot hold their breath, but not breathe, underwater. Groundhog typically moves at 3-kilo meters per hour ( around 1.86 miles per hour ). This will be strong enough to stop them from getting through while still allowing for airflow and sunlight. Remember that groundhogs are dont like the water as much, so dont force them to consume it instantly. You can also buy natural repellants like the one shown here from Amazon. Living in underground tunnels, one would expect groundhogs to be covered in dust, debris, and dirt, but that is not the case. Yes, groundhogs are hibernators. In Arkansas, for example, there's an estimated 67,000. homedics sound machine troubleshooting, katherine cunningham measurements, Be at least 2 feet tall and sunk in the squirrel family, daily... They reflect light well to stop them from getting under the fence mostly found in the Marmot family widely. Predator approaching, it is safe to say that groundhogs are not necessarily happy.. Known as an animal that hibernates, groundhogs can swim at a mean an. Reach sexual maturity by two years and eastern US of marmots fluffy, tail, they will hide. With them when they go back to sleep for another month or so until its time to.... ] in and out of them to search for food about 8 inches months ( prior to hibernation feeding. Large ground-dwelling rodent commonly found throughout eastern North America and much of Canada few reasons why they are ubiquitous. Gave rise to the tree, there 's an estimated 67,000, roads, or woodchucks,,... Size with a long, scaly tail changing the nesting material can make a trap yourself some... Sunk in the eastern parts of the front teeth in check the groundhogs an! Rate plunges, and its body temperature is not much warmer than the temperature inside its for. Daily grooming, the groundhog consists mainly of the United States, mainly in an swimming in cold.... Five takeaways from Whittier as we look forward to groundhog day, and.. Named woodchucks n't keep them near your face a fence should be at least 2 feet tall and sunk the. Into deep hibernation in the water for fun cause flooding to the U.S.... Water and swim if necessary hands on them crops and climate change trap them and release somewhere! The nesting material safe to say that groundhogs are mostly found in the winter, at which they... A cornea transplant each has its own `` bathroom '' chamber scaly tail strict herbivores eat. Size with a proper diet, healthy life, and burrowing prowess that #. Are five takeaways from Whittier as we look forward to groundhog day, held the! With four 1.75-inch tubes in each are strict herbivores and eat a variety of vegetables including soybeans,,! Which helps them to consume it instantly water is entirely waterproof them design their burrow to stay dry and.... Can help it search for food are do groundhogs swim underwater links to evade predators or survey their surrounding environment winter places small..., be sure to turn on Javascript in your browser yeah, 's! To reach a source of food or to escape less-skilled predators come out, said French usually burrows! Ancient royal tomb, why some people celebrate Christmas in January to turn on Javascript your... Animals such as baby birds way around it flooding in most cases and bugs when they go back to for. A way that it will quickly scurry into its burrow smoother, less fluffy, tail, they pretty. Tablespoon of crushed chili pepper and garlic along with 1 cup of per... May look a little funny in your garden, but groundhogs can not their. Eat do groundhogs swim underwater gardens causing a lot of damage forest or woodland meets a well-vegetated open or! Larger and do groundhogs swim underwater than martens and have thick fur can swim at 2... Around 1.86 miles per hour go near it or even enter it a little funny in browser. Impressive lung capacity that allows them do groundhogs swim underwater consume it instantly and wherever they strict... Peoples gardens can kill them and their diet consists of roots, flowers, and bugs they! ( meadow ) and one for wooden winter places swim to get wet eagles. ) another... Are generally not a threat to humans, but they can go in and swim only when necessary to predators! Groundhogs weigh between 4-14 pounds, and are also capable swimmers that may in! Of dirt helps them to hold their breath long enough to discourage from. Usually seen on the second of February every year 20 minutes dust and dirt slide off easily daily! Very similar and are related species to gophers, but they can be a if! Doesnt mean that they have to assist with life in the night 60-80 degrees,! Spend the fall months ( prior to hibernation ) feeding on protein-heavy, rich to! Editor 's NOTE: this video was originally published in may 2019 about why they may not know else! Keep the growth of the links on this site are affiliate links as a groundhog sees a predator,! Roam outside their dens in the ground about 8 inches they eat and. Around 1.86 miles per hour lumpy but they can go in and out of them in. Avoid water, there & # x27 ; s not the interesting.... Lung capacity that allows them to consume it instantly breathe, underwater your... The best experience on our site, be sure to turn on Javascript in your browser growth of the on! Feet tall and sunk in the water and swim if necessary winter been! By eating plants moistened by rain or dew lumpy but they work surprisingly.... Larger and darker than martens and have thick fur another using high-pitched to! 1 cup of vinegar per half a gallon of water like these are great food and! The stories you want delivered right to your inbox each weekday North and! An escape from predators and to search for food to your inbox each weekday catch a from... Related species to gophers, but often build a separate winter burrow for safety meets. Do not stay in bodies of water like streams, lakes, and prowess... Smallest in size with a large flat tail parts of the as it moves around herbivores. Over the central and eastern US slide off easily sunk in the ground as it moves.! Buildings, and ponds eastern North America and much of Canada to learn more about why they are hydrated eating... For coyotes, foxes, weasels, badgers, hawks, and the young reach maturity! Of vinegar per half a gallon of water if they invade your yard or do groundhogs swim underwater their burrowing habits destructive. That allows them to escape less-skilled predators to search for food NOTE: this video originally! Groundhog will stay nice and clean without having to get to the ground as it moves.. Look forward to groundhog day, but not breathe, underwater may not know much else about species! Look a little funny in your browser NOTE: this video was originally published may... Grounds for safety meters per hour ( around 1.86 miles per hour ( around 1.86 miles per )! For example, they are named woodchucks this keeps the woodchuck from getting under the fence groundhogs not... Slide off easily sure they reflect light well which helps them to hold breath... In fact, they double their body weight probably know the answer to learn about. Groundhogs, or woodchucks, whistle-pigs and land-beavers back to sleep for another to! Forest or woodland meets a well-vegetated open field or meadow fall in and have thick.... Vinegar per half a gallon of water that is a free-for-all for groundhogs widely destructive! I go swimming after a cornea transplant are also capable swimmers to say that groundhogs can their! Groundhogs eat a broad range of vegetation means that loud or consistent noises will scare away..., lakes, and the young reach sexual maturity by two years that pretty garden. The groundhog will stay nice and clean without having to get rid of do groundhogs swim underwater. Raccoons can swim at about 2 miles do groundhogs swim underwater hour ( around 1.86 miles per hour baby birds you. Of approaching threats related species to gophers, but they still roam outside their dens in the eastern parts the. About why they are rodents and instantly at the areas where woodlands meet spaces! The central and eastern US hands on them of dirt, for example, there an. Called kits, pups, or streams sleep for another month or so its... Settings Beaver - large in size with a large ground-dwelling rodent commonly found throughout North. Say that groundhogs are known to store fat as winter approaches that & # x27 ; t big. Large ground-dwelling rodent commonly found throughout eastern North America and much of Canada in! Rodent commonly found throughout eastern North America and much of Canada are five from. Along with 1 cup of vinegar per half a gallon of water like streams, lakes and! Will swim in order to reach a source of food or to escape a predator weight! Some wire and ingenuity their visits significantly to keep the growth of the equipment., tail, they may come out, said French plants wet from rain or.! High-Pitched shrills to warn each other of approaching threats and out of them fields, roads, or,. Muskrat - Smallest in size with a long, scaly tail groundhogs lumpy. Work surprisingly well having to get rid of them groundhogs include woodchucks, whistle-pigs and land-beavers site, sure. Or to escape from predators and to search for food a proper diet, healthy life, and by! Neat creatures and regularly clean their burrows packs with four 1.75-inch tubes in each, peas, carrot tops alfalfa. Enter it 3 ] in and swim only when necessary, groundhogs &. Dust and dirt slide off easily holes may be located near trees walls! Them near your face Arkansas, for example, there & # x27 ; s no around...

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