Where’s Wildlife · Mammal Field Guide
Marmota monax
Pronounced (approx.): mar-MOH-tuh MOH-naks
Also called a woodchuck, this large ground squirrel is a skilled burrower.
Groundhog. Select the image to browse all 10 photographs.
NATIVE TO NORTH AMERICA
Stocky, low body
Short legs and small ears
Short, furred tail
Compare views, markings and body shapes in the photographs below.
A Groundhog has a broad head, small rounded ears, short legs and a stout body. Its coarse brown fur can look grizzled. Unlike the long, sweeping tail of a tree squirrel, its tail is relatively short and fully furred.
An animal standing upright beside a field may be surveying its surroundings before feeding. When alarmed, a groundhog can retreat rapidly to a burrow. Look at the body shape and tail rather than assuming any brown animal near a hole is a groundhog.
Groundhogs eat grasses, clover and other vegetation in open areas near shelter. Their strong claws are well suited to digging. A burrow system provides refuge, resting space and a place to raise young.
Groundhogs are true hibernators. They build energy reserves during the growing season and spend winter in a greatly reduced metabolic state. Young are born in a burrow and remain dependent on their mother before emerging and eventually dispersing.
Groundhogs are members of the squirrel family.
Woodchuck and groundhog refer to the same animal.
Hibernation greatly reduces the body’s energy use.
The Groundhog is native to a broad part of North America, especially eastern and central regions. Fields beside woodland and other grassy openings provide useful combinations of food and suitable digging ground.
Explore reported sightings on iNaturalist. Observation records are not a complete range map.