The groundhog is a strict herbivore active in its foraging during the daylight hours. Its food sources include: vegetables, grasses and legumes. In early spring when green foliage is still scarce, the groundhog will often eat bark, buds, and twigs. Later in the season, the groundhog can be found standing on its hind legs to reach up and pull the top of a plant down to retrieve its tender foliage. When not foraging for food during the summer months, the groundhog will often be found sunning and grooming itself.