The groundhog (Marmota monax), also known as the woodchuck, is a rodent of the family Sciuridae, belonging to the group of large ground squirrels known as marmots. [2] A lowland creature of North America, it is found through much of the Eastern United States, across Canada and into Alaska. [3]

But what is not well-known is the difference between a woodchuck and a groundhog. Are they the same type of animal or are they two different species? Here are some facts you should know.

There are six species of woodchucks and marmots that occur in the United States. These animals commonly invade cropland and vegetable gardens, eating or destroying vegetables and landscape plants. Although groundhogs are slow runners, they scurry quickly to their dens when they sense danger.

Mar 7, 2025 · The straightforward answer is: yes, a woodchuck and a groundhog are absolutely the same animal. They are simply two different names for the same medium-sized rodent, scientifically known as Marmota monax .

Apr 9, 2023 · The most common explanation is that the groundhog is a type of woodchuck, a small rodent often found in North America. Other reasons for the name may include that the groundhog is often found in wooded areas or that the animal is known to eat wood.

Jan 27, 2022 · In this article, we’ll dig into the differences between gophers, groundhogs, and woodchucks, discuss how the terms can overlap, and explain how these animals got their names (it’s actually way more interesting than the words suggest).

Feb 24, 2021 · The groundhog – also known as a woodchuck – is a burrowing rodent in the squirrel family Sciuridae. It is found in grasslands and forests of the USA and Canada, and is unusual among marmots for living in lowland areas.

The woodchuck (also known as the groundhog) is a member of the rodent family. They are the largest species of squirrel found in North America. These animals are well adapted to burrow and have short legs with curved claws.

Woodchucks are rodents. Woodchucks are the largest squirrels in Illinois. Learn more about woodchucks in Illinois in OutdoorIllinois Journal: Abandoned woodchuck burrows provide shelter for a number of wildlife species, including rabbits, …