Species MammalsGroundhog

Groundhog

Marmota monax

CommonMammal
Illustration of Groundhog (Marmota monax)

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

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