Mammal · GBIF taxon 2437368
Marmota monax
marmota monaxAlso known as Woodchuck, Whistlepig, Land Beaver
Groundhogs are robust, burrowing rodents that play a vital role as ecological engineers by creating extensive underground tunnel systems. These solitary marmots spend their summers feeding heavily on grasses and clover to build up thick fat reserves before entering a deep, true hibernation during the winter. Their sharp, ever-growing incisors and powerful claws are perfectly adapted for digging, making them a familiar sight along forest edges and suburban fields.
DiurnalBurrowingHerbivorous
—observations
—countries
—peak records
Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Diet & prey
- Clover
- Dandelions
- Alfalfa
Predators
- Coyotes
- Red foxes
- Domestic dogs
ThreatsHabitat fragmentation, vehicle collisions, agricultural pest control, and domestic predators
HabitatsOpen woodlands, forest edges, meadows, pastures, and suburban fields
Life span3 to 6 years in the wild
Size / weightNot available
Classification
- OrderRodentia
- FamilySciuridae
- GenusMarmota
- Speciesmarmota monax
Range data is not available yet.
Interaction riskLow
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- Very high
- Why interaction risk is low
- Capable of delivering a painful bite if cornered; observe from a respectful distance.
- Why it is dangerous
- Equipped with powerful jaws and sharp, ever-growing incisors designed for gnawing, which can inflict deep puncture wounds if they feel threatened.
- How to recognize a risky encounter
- Recognizable by their stocky, grizzled-brown bodies, short bushy tails, and flat heads with small ears.
- What to do
- Never attempt to corner, touch, or feed a wild groundhog; back away slowly if they stand on their hind legs and chatter their teeth.
Responsible observation
- Watch for Sentinels: Look for them sitting upright on fence posts or dirt mounds scanning for danger.
- Listen for Whistles: Listen for their sharp, high-pitched alarm whistle when they detect a threat.
- Respect Burrows: Avoid stepping near active burrow entrances to prevent collapsing their tunnels.
Predator Yathin S Krishnappa / CC BY-SA 3.0 · cc-by-sa
Predator "Red Fox" by Mike's Birds is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0. To view a copy of this license, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0/. · cc-by-sa
Close Relative (c) Alan Vernon, some rights reserved (CC BY) · cc-by
Close Relative no rights reserved, uploaded by Braden J. Judson · cc0
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Urban Dwellers
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