Brother in law just sent me a pic of what appears to be a ground hog about 20-25 feet up in a tree. I have never seen or known them to climb. Has anyone seen this before?

Yes,not uncommon

Yep, them ol whistle pigs will climb trees.

Very common to see around here. Some will seek height to escape dogs or harrassment at times.

Thank you, just when you thought you knew it all. Learned something new today so be it was a good day.

Sure I shot them out of trees with 22 squirrel hunting. They were not very far up tree

I've seen a few up trees.

Mulberry and pear trees, but not usually this early.

Double

Yes see em in mulberry trees often when the fruit is on

They even climb 3'-4' fences on occasion. This is why garden fence needs to have a piece at the top folded over 90° so they can't just climb over.

Seen them climb 4' tomato cages on potted tomato plants on a deck , then climb over the top and go in headfirst. Best time to startle them , lol. It is almost comical how hard they struggle to get out quick because they are really not built for it.

Yup seen a few up in trees over the years

They will also move and feed at night. Had them on trail cameras a number of times at night.

I shot one last September in my pear tree.

They do it all the time

They climb frequently...Gray fox too.

I had a sheltie that would tree them.

First one I ever shot when I was a kid was at the very top of a 50' high tree. I was walking a dirt road with a Crossman 760 Powermaster. It happened to be on the opposite side of the road from where his hole was so it climbed the tree to "safety."

The ground hog is actually a ground squirrel and will climb trees!

Climb trees all the time here. Also see them sitting on top of posts in the vineyard

When they burrow near fences and the grass is high, give a shrill whistle and expect to see one on top of a fence post.
My dad showed me, killed quite a few that way.

Seen several up trees and see many sitting on top of fence posts.

Those Varmints are all over my Mulberry trees!

I have no idea how many I’ve shot out of trees.
Seen them up in hickories after the nuts.
Good friend treed one at night while coon hunting.
Very comon for them to climb.

Doing ADC work I once caught a woodchuck that was living in the attic of a McMansion. He was climbing 3 stories up the brick chimney to get into the attic.