Groundhogs are one of the most familiar backyard mammals in North America, and you can spot them in fields, along fencelines, and sometimes right in your own yard. These chunky rodents have interesting habits, strong survival instincts, and a lifestyle that many people never get to see up close. Below are some quick and direct facts to help you learn more about them.
26 facts about groundhogs
1 They are the largest members of the squirrel family
Groundhogs belong to the same family as squirrels, chipmunks, and prairie dogs. They are one of the biggest rodents you will see in suburban areas.
2 They go by several different names
Groundhog, woodchuck, whistle pig, and land beaver all refer to the same species. The scientific name is Marmota monax.
3 They can weigh up to 15 pounds
Most adults sit somewhere between 5 and 12 pounds. Well fed individuals that live near farms or neighborhoods can grow even larger.
4 Their teeth never stop growing
Like all rodents, their incisors grow year round and must be worn down by chewing plants. This keeps the teeth the right length.
5 They have sharp vision for spotting danger
Their eyes sit high on their head and give them a wide field of view. They are especially good at noticing motion from far away, which is why they often bolt before you get close. They use their heightened senses to stay safe from predators.
6 They are active during the day
Groundhogs are diurnal and do most of their feeding in daylight. This makes them easier to see than many other mammals.
7 They can climb and swim
Even though they look stocky, groundhogs can climb small trees and swim across ponds or ditches. Both skills help them escape predators.
8 They whistle when alarmed
A sharp whistle is used to warn nearby groundhogs when a predator or human gets too close. This is how they earned the nickname whistle pig.
9 They stand upright to scan their surroundings
This behavior gives them a better view of what is around them. You often see this pose when a groundhog senses movement.
10 They are strict herbivores
Groundhogs feed on grasses, clover, leaves, flowers, and garden plants. They rarely eat insects or animal matter.
11 They eat more before hibernation
You may notice them feeding heavily in late summer. That extra food helps them gain enough fat to survive winter.
12 They raid gardens at certain times of day
Morning and early evening are their preferred feeding times. This is usually when people catch them nibbling vegetables.
13 Their burrows can be more than 30 feet long
Groundhog burrows often include long passageways and several entrances. These tunnels help them escape predators.
14 Their burrowing improves soil
The tunnels aerate dirt and mix nutrients through the soil layers. This can benefit plants even if the holes seem annoying.
15 They build rooms inside their tunnels
Separate chambers are used for nesting, resting, and bathroom purposes. Each room helps keep the den organized.
16 They may maintain multiple burrows
Groundhogs often keep two or three burrows in their home range. Each one is used for different seasons or safety needs.
17 They are true hibernators
During winter they enter a deep physiological slowdown. Heart rate, breathing, and body temperature all drop significantly.
18 Their heart rate can drop to only a few beats per minute
This slow rate helps them conserve energy for months. It is one of the most dramatic hibernation changes in any mammal.
19 They lose a lot of weight during the winter
Some groundhogs come out in spring one third lighter than they were in fall. All that energy comes from stored fat.
20 Mating season begins shortly after they wake up
Most breeding takes place in early spring. This gives the young time to grow before the next winter.
21 Females give birth to litters of 2 to 6 pups
Newborns arrive blind, hairless, and very small. They stay hidden in the burrow for several weeks.
22 Young groundhogs leave the mother in midsummer
Baby groundhogs typically disperse at about two months old. Each one must find a new burrow and begin feeding on its own.
23 They prefer to flee rather than fight
Groundhogs almost always run for shelter when they sense a threat. They avoid confrontation whenever possible.
24 Their burrows can cause issues around buildings
Tunnels dug near sheds or foundations may lead to settling problems. This is the main reason people try to remove or relocate them.
25 They often live close to people
Suburban lawns, roadsides, and fence lines provide perfect open habitat. Many groundhogs adapt easily to these areas.
26 Scientists study their hibernation for climate research
The timing of their hibernation helps researchers track seasonal changes. Their predictable cycles make them useful for long term studies.
Groundhog review
This overview section goes back over some of the same topics from the facts list, but in a more focused way. You’ll see a few familiar points repeated, only with added context so everything fits together. It gives you a clearer picture of how groundhogs live, feed, and survive throughout the year.
Scientific name: Marmota monax
Other names
Groundhogs are also known as woodchucks, whistle pigs, land beavers, and thickwood badgers. All of these names refer to the same species. The name woodchuck likely comes from the Algonquian word “wuchak,” not from anything related to wood.
Diet
Groundhogs are strict herbivores that feed on grasses, clover, flowers, stems, leaves, and many garden plants. Their diet includes a lot of moisture, so they get most of their water from the vegetation they eat.
They eat more in late summer as they prepare for hibernation. This extra feeding helps them build the fat reserves they depend on during winter.
Behavior
Groundhogs are mostly active during the day. You often see them feeding, grooming, or moving between burrows in the early morning and late afternoon.
They stand upright to watch for predators and use loud whistles to alert other groundhogs. Even though they look bulky, they can climb small trees and swim well when they need to escape danger.
Habitat
Groundhogs prefer open habitats like fields, meadows, and forest edges. These areas provide plenty of vegetation for feeding and soft soil for digging.
You can find them across much of the United States and Canada. They also adapt well to suburban areas, which is why people often see them near sheds, gardens, and fence lines.
Burrows
Groundhog burrows can run more than 30 feet underground and usually include several rooms. These rooms may be used for nesting, resting, and bathroom purposes.
Most burrows have at least two entrances. The extra openings give the groundhog escape routes if a predator approaches.
Hibernation
As mentioned above, groundhogs are true hibernators that spend winter in a deep sleep known as torpor. Their body temperature, heart rate, and breathing slow dramatically during this period.
They enter hibernation in late fall and typically emerge in early spring. The timing can vary depending on climate and local conditions.
Reproduction
Breeding begins soon after groundhogs wake from hibernation. Most litters arrive in spring and include two to six pups.
The young remain in the burrow for several weeks before venturing out. By midsummer they leave their mother and begin life on their own.
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