The Groundhog, or Woodchuck, is a large ground squirrel and true hibernator — body temperature drops nearly to freezing from October to March. Famous for its February 2nd weather-forecasting folk role.
Habitat
Open woodlands, meadows, farmland, and garden edges
Diet
Grasses, clover, garden vegetables, and bark
How common
Common
Best time to see a Groundhog
The best time to see a Groundhog is April–July, when about 66% of U.S. sightings happen, based on 43,910 research-grade iNaturalist observations.
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Not certain it is a Groundhog? What animal is this? walks through what to check first and the lookalikes that catch people out.
Recent Groundhog sightings near you
Live, research-grade observations from iNaturalist. Allow location to center the map on you.
Spotted a Groundhog?
Point Huck at any plant, bird, or animal and know for sure - plus a live map of where it is being spotted near you.
5,300+species
63national parks
50states