Unlike tree-dwelling squirrels, groundhogs are burrowing animals, built for life close to the earth. With their stout bodies, powerful claws, and short but strong legs, they are expert diggers, capable of creating tunnel systems that stretch over 30 feet long. These burrows aren’t just simple holes—they often have multiple chambers and entrances, including special “bathroom” areas and sleeping quarters. The groundhog’s body matches its underground lifestyle: it has a compact frame, coarse brown fur, and sharp incisors that never stop growing, allowing it to chomp through roots and tough vegetation with ease.

While many animals sleep lightly through winter, groundhogs enter a deep state of hibernation, lowering their heart rate, body temperature, and metabolism for months. During this period, they survive entirely off stored body fat, waking only when spring arrives. This hibernation cycle is one reason the groundhog has become a symbol of seasonal change. In fact, the tradition of Groundhog Day comes from the belief that if a groundhog sees its shadow in early February, winter will linger, but if it doesn’t, spring will come early. While this folklore is more playful than scientific, it has turned the groundhog into one of the most famous rodents in North America.

In terms of behavior, groundhogs are generally solitary creatures. Each one usually maintains its own burrow and territory, except during the breeding season in early spring. They are mostly herbivores, feeding on grasses, clover, dandelions, and garden crops, which sometimes puts them at odds with farmers and gardeners. Despite their “chubby” appearance, groundhogs are surprisingly agile. They can climb trees and swim when necessary, though they prefer to stay near the safety of their burrows. Their sharp whistles, chirps, and squeals are used as alarm calls to warn others of predators, including foxes, coyotes, hawks, and even domestic dogs.

Distribution

Country

Population est.

Status

Year

Comments

Canada

2016

United States

2016