# Groundhog (*Marmota monax*) Groundhogs are friendly, furry creatures that love to dig. They make cozy burrows underground where they sleep and stay safe. - **Category:** [Mammals](https://www.snappit.app/explore/categories/mammal) - **Rarity:** Common - **Danger:** 1/5 · Very low - **Snaps:** 218 - **Habitat:** Fields, forests, and gardens - **Also known as:** Whistlepig, Woodchuck ![Groundhog](https://res.cloudinary.com/drieglelr/image/upload/v1771424241/objects/4497.jpg) ## Appearance The Groundhog is a sturdy, medium-sized rodent with shaggy, brownish-grey fur often tipped with red or yellow. It has short legs, a bushy tail, and small, rounded ears. Its robust body and short snout distinguish it from smaller squirrels. ## Taxonomy - **Kingdom:** Animalia - **Phylum:** Chordata - **Class:** Mammalia - **Order:** Rodentia - **Family:** Sciuridae - **Genus:** Marmota ## Interesting facts - A groundhog's teeth never stop growing, so they chew constantly to keep them short! - During hibernation, a groundhog's body temperature can drop almost to freezing! - Their underground burrows can have many rooms and often an escape tunnel! - These furry animals can swim surprisingly well, sometimes crossing streams! ## Special abilities - **Burrow Master:** Groundhog can dig extensive underground tunnels because of strong claws that help them create safe homes and escape routes. - **Deep Sleeper:** Groundhog can hibernate for months by greatly slowing its heart rate and breathing, helping it survive cold winters. - **Alarm Whistle:** Groundhog has a loud, sharp whistle that helps them warn other groundhogs of nearby predators or danger. ## Measurements & details - **Length:** 40-65 cm - **Weight:** 2-6 kg - **Lifespan:** 3-6 years - **Speed:** 16 km/h - **Litter Size:** 2-6 - **Gestation:** 31-32 days ## Diet & Feeding Groundhogs are plant-eaters, munching on a variety of fresh greens, fruits, and flowers. - **Primary Foods:** Grasses, Clover, Dandelions, Fruits, Vegetables - **Foraging Method:** Foraging ## Ecological connections - **Eaten by:** [Coyote](https://www.snappit.app/explore/coyote) (*Canis latrans*) — Coyotes often hunt groundhogs in open areas. - **Eaten by:** [Red Fox](https://www.snappit.app/explore/red-fox) (*Vulpes vulpes*) — Red foxes prey on groundhogs, especially young ones. - **Eaten by:** [Red-tailed Hawk](https://www.snappit.app/explore/red-tailed-hawk) (*Buteo jamaicensis*) — Large raptors sometimes catch groundhogs from above. - **Eats:** [White Clover](https://www.snappit.app/explore/white-clover) (*Trifolium repens*) — Groundhogs commonly graze on clover in fields. ## Traits - [Wildlife](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/wildlife): Wildlife encompasses all undomesticated animal and plant life existing in their natural habitats. - [Furry](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/furry): Furry describes animals possessing a dense covering of soft hair or fur. - [Burrowing](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/burrowing): Burrowing animals dig tunnels and chambers in the ground, using these subterranean structures for shelter, hunting, or breeding. - [Herbivorous](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/herbivorous): This trait characterizes organisms whose diet consists entirely or primarily of plant material. - [Forest](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/forest): Forest habitats are terrestrial environments dominated by dense tree cover, supporting a high diversity of plant and animal life. - [Hibernating](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/hibernating): Hibernating animals enter a state of metabolic depression during cold periods or when food is scarce, characterized by reduced body temperature and activity. - [Carnivorous](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/carnivorous): This trait identifies organisms whose diet consists entirely or primarily of animal tissue. - [Diurnal](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/diurnal): Diurnal animals are primarily active during daylight hours, typically resting or sleeping at night. ## Collections - [Mammals](https://www.snappit.app/explore/collections/mammals) ## Safety **Danger:** 1/5 · Very low Groundhogs are usually shy and won't bother you. Just watch them from a distance and enjoy their fun activities! ## Frequently Asked Questions ### How to identify Groundhog? Compare ears, muzzle, tail, feet and coat markings. Size is hard to judge without something nearby for scale, and young mammals may not have adult coloring yet. Mammal Identifier: upload a photo and compare the visible details. ### How long is Groundhog? 40-65 cm ### How much does Groundhog weigh? 2-6 kg ### How long does Groundhog live? 3-6 years ### How fast can Groundhog move? 16 km/h ### What does Groundhog eat? Groundhogs are plant-eaters, munching on a variety of fresh greens, fruits, and flowers. ### Where is Groundhog usually found? Fields, forests, and gardens ### How does Groundhog hunt? Foraging ## Where to spot - [Alabama City Wall Street Historic District](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/alabama-city-wall-street-historic-district) — Alabama, US · Historic District - [Ambler Heights Historic District](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/ambler-heights-historic-district) — Ohio, US · Historic District - [Arrowmont School of Arts and Crafts](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/arrowmont-school-of-arts-and-crafts) — Tennessee, US · Campus - [Audubon Place Historic District](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/audubon-place-historic-district) — Alabama, US · Historic District - [Barrington Civic Center Historic District](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/barrington-civic-center-historic-district) — Rhode Island, US · Historic District - [Black Creek Park](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/black-creek-park) — New York, US · Park [View all places to see Groundhog](https://www.snappit.app/guides/where-to-see/groundhog) ## More Mammals - [Eastern Fox Squirrel](https://www.snappit.app/explore/eastern-fox-squirrel) (*Sciurus niger*) - [Eastern Cottontail](https://www.snappit.app/explore/eastern-cottontail) (*Sylvilagus floridanus*) - [Eastern Chipmunk](https://www.snappit.app/explore/eastern-chipmunk) (*Tamias striatus*) - [California Ground Squirrel](https://www.snappit.app/explore/california-ground-squirrel) (*Otospermophilus beecheyi*) --- Source: [Groundhog: Characteristics, Facts & Places to See — Snappit](https://www.snappit.app/explore/groundhog)