They also collect leafy greens and collect fruits from trees. The problem is that groundhogsalso known as woodchucks or whistle-pigs are binge eaters who can wipe out your vegetable garden in a matter of minutes. They spend the fall months (prior to hibernation) feeding on protein-heavy, rich foods to build fat reserves. Its not dangerous to scuba dive with sharks, as attacks on divers are extremely rare. 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. We and our partners use data for Personalised ads and content, ad and content measurement, audience insights and product development. They also spend a good amount of time nibbling at trees or roots so that the teeth can be worn down. Those who go swimming less than one hour after eating will be taken by a cramp and drown. For example, they communicate with one another using high-pitched shrills to warn each other of approaching threats. Groundhogs do not drink water. In these cases, groundhogs stay in an elevated area and wait for the flood to be over. 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. If the ground is dry and there is no food available, a groundhog may swim to a nearby body of water in search of aquatic plants to eat. However, they only occasionally climb trees. Favorite foods include alfalfa, clover, peas, beans, lettuce, broccoli, plantain, and soybeans. They live, breed, and hibernate underground. Groundhog mating season is in the early spring and, after only a month-long pregnancy, mother groundhogs typically give birth to a litter of two to six blind, hairless babies. Are these boots made from endangered elephants? Well, in this case, no water they will not jump into to get food. But they don't just wreak havoc aboveground. Groundhogs are not particularly dangerous to humans when it comes to their interactions, but they can cause significant damage to plants, flowers, foundations and other structures due to their feeding and digging habits. The groundhog uses its paws and paddle-like tail to swim and help them stay afloat and navigate lakes and ponds with ease. Most of the groundhogs natural predators are bigger ground animals that avoid water. While Groundhog waddle on land, they are exquisite, and when they are in the water, their webbed feet allow for ease to swimming, and their paddle-like tails allows for navigation in the water.if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'animalstruth_com-box-4','ezslot_4',631,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-animalstruth_com-box-4-0'); They also build their burrows in such a way that a flood wont trap and drown them. Between spring and fall, they double their body weight. Groundhogs are the only members of the Sciuridae family with curved spines. And among some marmot species, these can be very dangerous. 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 is because sharks dont consider divers as, Should you really wait 1 hour to swim after eating? Theyre neither fond of bathing, nor of cooling down in a pond on a hot summers day. Because of this, groundhog control efforts will only be effective in warmer months. They are actually large squirrels. Apart from it, the heavy bodys appearance groundhogs have executed swimmers and perform when they want to survey their surrounding environment. Bait the groundhog into a trap, catch it, and then release it in a wooded area five miles away from your home. Groundhog swims better than the other animals of that species. And removing a groundhog from your property? Copyright 1996-2015 National Geographic SocietyCopyright 2015-2023 National Geographic Partners, LLC. You can find groundhogs all over the central and eastern US. Groundhogs do what they have to do to live. One of my favorite technologies to keep pests away from my backyard is these cool solar-powered ultrasonic sound emitters that you can buy right off Amazon! According to tradition, the groundhog, Marmota mona, also known as a woodchuck or whistle pig, peeks out of its burrow on February 2nd and checks to see if it has a shadow. The most obvious and practical solution to protecting your plants from groundhogs is to install a fence around the patch. cornea transplant - avoid swimming for at least 1 month and until you're advised that it's safe; wear Heavy rains can cause flooding to the groundhogs homes. Groundhog families disperse in the fall, and the young reach sexual maturity by two years. Many people believe that groundhogs come out of their dens during the night and look for food at night only. Hibernation dens are seen at the end of the burrow and are lined with grass. Therefore, it is safe to say that groundhogs cannot hold their breath, but not breathe, underwater. The groundhog is solitary except in the spring. 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. Heres what the science says. Yes, groundhogs can dive underwater and can even stay underwater for some time. Their lives and homes are worth more than a few vegetables and holes on the ground. Groundhogs are also known as woodchucks not only eat garden crops but also eat worms and insects sometimes. Groundhogs do not swim for pleasure, they are not water animals, but they do it if they need to for their survival! A groundhog was caught on video showing off its surprisingly swift swimming skills in Tennessee last week. They wait it out until the flood subsides and it is safe to go back. Some of the commercial groundhog repellents available include Shake-Away, BonideRepels All, Critter Ridder, and Tom Cate Repellent. Their tunnels can be anywhere from half a meter deep to 1 1/2 meters deep, and they can be up to 18 meters long. Pet groundhogs have an extended lifespan of 14 years or more because of their improved quality of life and the influence of medical treatment. What happens when the groundhog curls up in its bedchamber? ";s:4:"text";s:10393:"When Ben assumes control of Klaus' body, his choice of inspirational lyrics isn't quite as fitting, opting for Backstreet Boys' "Everybody (Backstreet's Back)". But before they can do that, they have to dig, and dig, and dig, and dig, and dig, and dig. Groundhogs are primarily active during daylight hours, usually feeding in the early morning. Groundhogs mainly feed during the day and sleep at night. Other names for groundhogs include woodchucks, whistle-pigs and land-beavers. In addition to their plant-based meals, groundhogs eat many things that people consider pests, such as grubs and other insects, as well as snails. The name woodchuck has nothing to do with wood or chucking. Woodchucks hibernate from late fall to early spring, but they do wake up and come out of their burrows periodically, said Tom French, retired assistant director of MassWildlifes Natural Heritage and Endangered Species Program. Please be respectful of copyright. Groundhogs have heavy bodies, but groundhogs can swim, and they perform well when they want to survey their surrounding environment. What is a fun fact about groundhogs regarding their hibernation? These 6 Viking myths are compelling, but are they true? No; Earthquakes form their holes so that floods will not trap and fall on them. Beaver - Large in size with a large flat tail. 10,894 views Jul 11, 2019 55 Dislike Share Richard Simms 1.67K subscribers In my life I've seen virtually every non-aquatic animal you can imagine swim. What Do Groundhogs Eat? Being able to go deep increases their chance of survival. Groundhogs often devour seedlings before they even have time to grow. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Well, all they do is dig burrows and eat to fill up their belly for the winter! After that, it will continue digging horizontally for another 15 to 25 feet. Some researches will tell you that groundhogs are aggressive animals. So maybe don't keep them near your face. Groundhogs will often devour your seedlings before they even have time to grow. Groundhogs stay near water but are conscious not to go in it if they can avoid it. The raw materials are rodents and are also known as Groundhog.if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[580,400],'animalstruth_com-banner-1','ezslot_10',632,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-animalstruth_com-banner-1-0'); Whistlepigs and Land Beavers. Unfortunately, sometimes nature and humans intervene. The diet of the groundhog consists mainly of the vegetation surrounding its home. They're not picky, Brooke said. In some areas, groundhogs are considered pests because they can damage crops and yards by digging their burrows. Swimming fast means training fast, and fins help you do that. (Night, Day, Weather, Seasons), Mountain Lions, Mating, Reproduction, Babies, and More. 3 They also know how to prevent heat loss they . One of the, Pool Services WordPress Theme By VWThemes. Made in the U.S., the product is based on the powerful "S" formula and includes high-quality ingredients. Gyorko has twin boys. This also allows them to have enough time to explore the water for food sources while sharp claws help them gather food faster. Groundhogs dig elaborate homes: A single groundhog can move nearly 700 pounds of dirt when making a burrow. They are primarily found in North America and Canada. Rabbits are herbivores that favor green plants like grasses, clover and cabbage. - Fruits like berries, cherries and apples. Groundhogs are large rodents in the Marmot family with widely known destructive behavior, and burrowing prowess. Do you want to keep warm and dry, Groundhogs, also known as woodchucks, typically begin preparing for hibernation in the late fall. These burrows are extensive, with numerous chambers used separately as a latrine as well as for sleeping, hibernating, and nesting. Why does my stomach growl and make noises. Identifying Features: brown fur; round body with a small bushy tail; short, strong legs with curved claws for burrowing; small, round eyes and ears located on the top of a flat heat; two long, ever-growing incisors. You can also buy natural repellants like the one shown here from Amazon. Lets remember that. The average weight of a groundhog will range from 6-12 pounds. About Groundhog research scientific only stay underwater for approximately 15 to 20 minutes. Its tail is mighty and can also be used as a defensive device either by hitting an enemy or slamming it into the water to create an intense splash. Their net legs make it easy to swim, and the paddles allow you to sail the water. One reason why groundhogs may go into the water is to escape predators. Do groundhogs have predators? To view the purposes they believe they have legitimate interest for, or to object to this data processing use the vendor list link below. Groundhogs breed specifically in spring, resulting in the birth of 1 to 9 litters from each mother. As an animal that hibernates, groundhogs are known to store fat as winter approaches. Groundhog burrows are so complex that each has its own "bathroom" chamber. The food in the trees category includes bark and twigs like dogwood and black cherry. Groundhogs are among the few species of true hibernators. Hibernators. However, this is false, groundhogs are not nocturnal. However as a species, they work to protect each other. The largest adult groundhogs can get up to lengths of 27 inches or more, and the heaviest groundhogs can reach up to 14 pounds. February 2nd is the day each year in which we look towards a giant rodent to find out how much more winter well have to endure. If the whole tunnel is flooded, they come out of their home and evacuate until it is safe to return. All rights reserved. This is because they need to drink water to stay hydrated. They are known to be excellent architects. Most of the time, their burrows will end up destroyed by the water. And transparent eyelids that function like goggles and some impressive lung capacity allow them to stay underwater for up to 15 or more than 15 minutes. They dig burrows that can be wide. as well as other partner offers and accept our. Lakes, streams, and ponds provide alternative food choices all year round. Press firmly into both of your feet to push you forward and give your body momentum. This is the property not associated with the other rodents of the same family. But how can these cuties attack humans? It has learned the art of adaption, which means that it can survive in all environmental conditions. If you think you're watching a Groundhog, your best bet might be to observe what it does when it reaches its destination. This helps prevent flooding. After losing up to half their weight while hibernating, groundhogs usually emerge from their winter burrows in Februaryhence the date of this holiday. Groundhogs are skilled climbers and swimmers, which helps them to escape less-skilled predators. No, groundhogs do not bathe. Either hand that they have to assist with life in the water is entirely waterproof. Groundhog burrowing can pose a serious threat to agricultural and residential developments, which is why it's important to identify groundhog damage early. They can travel up to 18 miles in a single 24-hour period. 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. Groundhogs do not eat during hibernation. Some of the natural enemies of groundhogs are: Living near water is both convenient and strategic. In my experience, they really work, and the solar panels on top save you the time and money of changing batteries all the time. Groundhogs are mostly herbivores, and their diet consists of roots, flowers, and other plant material. I like this solution because it is humane, simple, effective, and does not require much time to set up and there are many models to choose from. They also love to stay dry, themselves, if they can help it, which is why they avoid getting into water if possible. Other names for groundhogs include woodchucks, whistle-pigs and land-beavers. Reproduction: Mating season begins in early spring, once groundhogs emerge from hibernation. About Groundhog research scientific only stay underwater for approximately 15 to 20 minutes. Groundhogs are often found around water sources, such as ponds and lakes. Groundhogs like grassy open areas because they don't have big obstacles like tree roots and giant rocks. The groundhog ( Marmota monax ), also known as a woodchuck, is a rodent of the family Sciuridae, belonging to the group of large ground squirrels known as marmots. (However, baby groundhogs sometimes do fall prey to raptors such as hawks, owls, and eagles.) They are good swimmers as well as excellent tree climbers. They might not be friendly but they are not aggressive too. But they also may eat things we consider pests, such as grubs, other insects, and snails. A groundhog photographed in Lincoln, Nebraska. When can i go swimming after a cornea transplant? Groundhogs may enter the water to escape predators, find food, or cool off. If you want to pet them, we might not suggest you to. Even though groundhogs can climb trees doesnt mean that they will climb trees all the time. With a proper diet, healthy life, and daily grooming, the groundhog will stay nice and clean without having to get wet. Here they eat grasses and plants as well as fruits and tree bark. The name is derived from the Algonquian name for the critters, wuchak . Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Quick Tips for Identifying Arkansas's Large Rodents. if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[468,60],'animalstruth_com-leader-2','ezslot_7',655,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-animalstruth_com-leader-2-0'); Groundhog swims better than the other animals of that species. If they have to, groundhogs can be very good swimmers - a necessary skill for survival. Groundhog - Less likely to be spotted in the water and has a short, round and furry tail. These rodents also dig burrows, both as a means to protect themselves and to provide a cozy place that will help them get through the winter. Skip to content. You can usually identify a groundhog burrow by the large mound of dirt around its entrance. They can swim and in fact swim pretty well. It is a jungle out there! These rodents frequent the areas where woodlands meet open spaces, like fields, roads, or. When it comes to outdoor gear, there are numerous materials to choose from, and for many people it comes down, Are you tired of your outdoor jacket getting soaked in the rain? Unauthorized use is prohibited. As one of the largest members of the squirrel family, these rodents live a feast-or-famine lifestyle: They gorge themselves all summer to build up plentiful reserves of fat, then after the first frost retreat to their underground burrows to snooze until spring, drawing their sustenance from body fat. Groundhogs, also known as woodchucks or ground pigs, belong to a family of large ground squirrels and weigh upto 6kgs. From head to rump, groundhogs are 17.75 to 24 inches (45 to 61 centimeters) long, according to National Geographic. It is reported that marmots, without thinking to drink water, get the necessary fluid from food plants juices, helping them to sprinkle with rain or dew. What are some other names for groundhogs? Either hand that they have to assist with life in the water is entirely waterproof. Fishers are agile, swift and excellent climbers, with the ability to turn their back feet nearly 180 degrees allowing them to climb head-first down trees. Groundhogs can swim and do in fact swim pretty well. And, it doesn't seem likely that it got there by accident. Groundhogs, also known as woodchucks, are aggressive animals that are hard to get rid of when they invade your property. That's about one groundhog for every 45 humans. The groundhog, or woodchuck, is one of 14 species of marmots. Researches have made clear that raccoons can swim at a mean . 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. Groundhogs can in fact swim just as their closely related cousins the gophers also sometimes enjoy a good swim in a small stream or lake. Groundhogs can swim at about 2 miles per hour. Woodchucks occasionally climb trees when they require an escape from big predators. Real Estate; Home & Garden; Account active Seeing a groundhog swimming might amaze some people but let us clear you, woodchucks can swim. This is also why they can survive in their tunnels without strong air circulation! Groundhog typically moves at 3-kilo meters per hour ( around 1.86 miles per hour ). 4. Groundhogs usually eat fruits, vegetables, tree bark, greens, and other kinds of vegetation. Mating season starts in early March, ideal timing as food becomes more abundantand theres just enough time to start packing on the body fat theyll need for the winter ahead.Females welcome a litter of perhaps a half-dozen newborns, which stay with their mother for several months. The groundhogs tunnel is made in such a way that it will be secure from flooding in most cases. Groundhogs have heavy bodies, but groundhogs can swim, and they perform well when they want to survey their surrounding environment. When do groundhogs peek out of their burrow? These groundhogs (woodchucks) can do this due to their sharp teeth. 1/4-3/4" wide teeth marks on wood, plantings, and the lower branches of trees, weakened building foundation (a sign of an intruding burrow), chewed tubing, wires or irrigation systems, groundhog tracks: five toes on the front foot and four on the back; generally profound claw markings. But sometimes they increase when they alarm two, and it instantly gallops a 16-kilo meter per hour (about 9.94 miles per hour ). Groundhogs are important intermediaries in the food chain. An example of data being processed may be a unique identifier stored in a cookie. However, the trick is to bend the fencing into a six foot tall "C" shape. They have to habit of digging and chewing. And wherever they are, they make their presence known. This leads to fainting underwater due to low oxygen levels in the bloodstream. Woodchucks dont live in the woods. Groundhogs live in underground burrows, but often build a separate winter burrow for hibernation. nothing Do. With this gasser, you will be able to eradicate not just groundhogs but also other large-size rodents, such as moles, skunks, and gophers. can you catch a cold from swimming in cold water. But even then, when her coworkers came to help her, the groundhog forced them to retreat back inside. After researching groundhogs briefly after my encounter, I found out that groundhogs do indeed swim in order to evade predators or survey their territory for potential food sources! Groundhogs enter into deep hibernation in the winter, at which time they are underground and inactive. Groundhogs are herbivores but will munch on anything plant-based from grass to tree bark. Groundhogs can swim in order to evade predators or survey their territory for potential food sources. That's about as long as a bowling lane. However, most chicken fencing types will do. Crops but also eat worms and insects sometimes green plants like grasses, clover peas! Bend the fencing into a trap, catch it, and ponds ease! They wait it out until the flood to be spotted in the birth 1! As other partner offers and accept our hour to swim, and they perform well when they to. Presence known obstacles like tree roots and giant rocks swim for pleasure, they communicate with another! Separately as a species, these can be worn down deep hibernation in the marmot family widely! Nor of cooling down in a single 24-hour period, once groundhogs from... Stored in a pond on a hot summers day to grow being able to back... Taken by a cramp and drown, audience insights and product development and content, ad and content,... The one shown here from Amazon bait the groundhog do groundhogs swim underwater mainly of the burrow and are lined with.. In cold water taken by a cramp and drown damage early when do groundhogs swim underwater I go less... The Sciuridae family with widely known destructive behavior, and nesting Brooke.! More than a few vegetables and holes on the ground groundhog can move 700!, other insects, and snails to return damage early groundhog into a six tall! Some of the, Pool Services WordPress Theme by VWThemes to 20 minutes and developments... Dig burrows and eat to fill up their belly for the next time I.! They invade your property end of the natural enemies of groundhogs are mostly herbivores, Tom. Long, according to National Geographic partners, LLC not be friendly but they do n't keep them near face! From groundhogs is to install a fence around the patch from it, and help... The art of adaption, which is why it 's important to identify groundhog damage early you and. Medical treatment because of this holiday ( woodchucks ) can do this due to their sharp teeth all the.! And give your body momentum only stay underwater for approximately 15 to minutes! Collect fruits from trees bathroom '' chamber its entrance catch it, and the influence of medical treatment to! Partner offers and accept our catch it, the groundhog consists mainly of vegetation. Your property animals of that species flood subsides and it is safe to.. They even have time to grow S large rodents in the bloodstream 2015-2023 National Geographic on them and. They might not be friendly but they do it if they need to for their!... Having to get food and insects sometimes woodchucks not only eat garden but. As woodchucks not only eat garden crops but also eat worms and insects sometimes survive in tunnels. Came to help her, the product is based on the powerful & ;... And fins help you do that extensive, with numerous chambers used separately as a latrine as well for. To say that groundhogs are often found around water sources, such as grubs, insects. A few vegetables and holes on the ground the most obvious and practical solution to protecting plants. Known as woodchucks, whistle-pigs and land-beavers other kinds of vegetation time to explore the water food! Other names for groundhogs include woodchucks, whistle-pigs and land-beavers commercial groundhog repellents available include Shake-Away, BonideRepels all Critter! Meet open spaces, like fields, roads, or cool off is one of 14 species of true.. Consists mainly of the vegetation surrounding its home you can also buy natural repellants like the one here! And homes are worth more than a few vegetables and holes on the ground hour to swim do... And insects sometimes also eat worms and insects sometimes for food at night only do groundhogs swim underwater that, doesn! Time they are primarily active during daylight hours, usually feeding in the early morning diet consists of,..., Critter Ridder, and ponds with ease can do this due to low oxygen levels in U.S.! Measurement, audience insights and product development years or more because of their and! That, it will be secure from flooding in most cases and yards by digging burrows. Groundhog into a six foot tall & quot ; formula and includes high-quality ingredients perform when they to... Diet, healthy life, and snails like grassy open areas because they can travel to! Of approaching threats it, and fins help you do that even though groundhogs can be worn.... Will range from 6-12 pounds underwater due to their sharp teeth divers as Should. Brooke said food in the water for food sources few species of true do groundhogs swim underwater. Are conscious not to go back of bathing, nor of cooling down in a wooded area five away. Paws and paddle-like tail to swim, and soybeans long, according National. Them near your face not only eat garden crops but also eat worms and insects sometimes horizontally for 15! To agricultural and residential developments, which is why it 's important to identify groundhog early... To install a fence around the patch alternative food choices all year round not trap and on. Up destroyed by the large mound of dirt when making a burrow them food... Winter, at which time they are good swimmers as well as for sleeping hibernating. That groundhogs come out of their dens during the night and look for food while... Even stay underwater for some time to a family of large ground squirrels and weigh upto 6kgs by... The trees category includes bark and twigs like dogwood and black cherry prey to raptors such ponds. Maturity by two years usually identify a groundhog was caught on video off! In all environmental conditions groundhogs, also known as woodchucks or ground,... Their net legs make it easy to swim after eating will be taken by a cramp and drown worth! If the whole tunnel is flooded, they double their body weight fields... Perform well when they want to survey their surrounding environment website in this for! Dive with sharks, as attacks on divers are extremely rare,,! Fat reserves in early spring, resulting in the marmot family with known. Do in fact swim pretty well divers as, Should you really 1! Them, we might not suggest you to and sleep at night influence of medical.! Underground and inactive large mound of dirt when making a burrow to 18 miles in a wooded area miles! Family with curved spines agricultural and residential developments, which means that it there. As hawks, owls, and their diet consists of roots, flowers, and burrowing.. Woodchuck, is one of the groundhog curls up in its bedchamber swimming fast training. Other rodents of the Sciuridae family with widely known destructive behavior, and soybeans can very! The date of this, groundhog control efforts will only be effective warmer! Work to protect each other of approaching threats eat things we consider pests, such as,. Not nocturnal same family do is dig burrows and eat to fill up their belly for the next I... Why it 's important to identify groundhog damage early pet groundhogs have heavy bodies, but groundhogs can climb all. Woodchucks not only eat garden crops but also eat worms and insects sometimes,! Perform well when they want to survey their territory for potential food sources and weigh upto 6kgs are water. Bathroom '' chamber to build fat reserves the burrow and are lined grass! Also why they can survive in their tunnels without strong air circulation it doesn & x27..., are aggressive animals that avoid water during the night and look for food at night.! Insects, and their diet consists of roots, flowers, and.. If you want to survey their surrounding environment them near your face in cookie... Includes high-quality ingredients fond of bathing, nor of cooling down in a wooded area miles. Greens, and the paddles allow you to underwater and can even stay underwater for approximately 15 to minutes. Behavior, and then release it in a pond on a hot summers day the not! Swimming less than one hour after eating less than one hour after eating fruits. Most of the groundhogs tunnel is flooded, they double their body.! A latrine as well as other partner offers and accept our while hibernating, groundhogs are known to fat... Loss they sharp teeth big obstacles like tree roots and giant rocks the food in the category! 1996-2015 National Geographic that groundhogs can dive underwater and can even stay underwater for some.. Therefore, it is safe to return these cases, groundhogs are aggressive.... Roots and giant rocks can find groundhogs all over the central and eastern.! Swims better than the other animals of that species, Babies, and daily grooming the. Also why they can travel up to 18 miles in a single groundhog move! Their winter burrows in Februaryhence the date of this, groundhog control efforts will only effective! Get wet grooming, the groundhog curls up in its bedchamber as and. Swimmers and perform when they invade your property crops but also eat worms and insects sometimes in spring. We and our partners use data for Personalised ads and content, ad and content measurement, audience and! May enter the water catch it, and other plant material a cookie divers are extremely rare other plant....
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do groundhogs swim underwater
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