Groundhog

Profile

The Groundhog, also called a woodchuck, is a large, burrowing rodent from the squirrel family. Known for standing upright to survey its surroundings, it spends most of its time eating plants and digging tunnels for shelter and winter hibernation.

Habitat & Range

Groundhogs live across much of the eastern and central United States, parts of Canada, and into Alaska. They prefer open fields, forest edges, and grassy clearings near woods where they can dig deep burrows in well-drained soil.

Diet & Role in the Ecosystem

Diet: Mostly herbivorous, Groundhogs eat grasses, clover, dandelions, berries, and crops like beans or peas. They occasionally eat insects or snails for extra protein.

Predators: Foxes, coyotes, hawks, and domestic dogs are their main predators. Groundhogs rely on their strong claws for digging escape tunnels and their sharp whistles to warn others of danger.

Ecological Role: Their burrows create shelter for other animals like rabbits, skunks, and foxes. As grazers, they help shape plant growth and return nutrients to the soil through their digging and droppings.

Behavior & Adaptations

Groundhogs are one of the few true hibernators in North America. During winter, their body temperature, heart rate, and breathing slow dramatically. They're excellent diggers, with burrows that can stretch more than 30 feet and include separate chambers for nesting and waste.

Interesting Fact

Groundhogs can climb trees and swim surprisingly well, though they usually prefer to stay on the ground.

Conservation Status

Status: Least Concern. Groundhog populations are healthy and widespread, often thriving near farmland and suburban areas.