Groundhog Facts
The groundhog, also called the woodchuck, is a mammal, a rodent from the squirrel family and one of the large ground squirrels known as marmots.
- Class
- Mammal
- Scientific name
- Marmota monax
- Conservation status
- Least concern (IUCN)
About the groundhog
Most marmots, including the hoary and yellow-bellied marmots, live among rocks and mountains, but the groundhog is a lowland animal, which makes it unusual. Its range covers Canada, reaches up into Alaska and spreads over much of the eastern US. Carl Linnaeus first named it Mus monax in 1758, using a description by George Edwards published in 1743.
Groundhogs rank among the most solitary marmots, and males and females usually meet only to mate, though some populations form pairs that last through the year and even from one year to the next. They are clever animals that whistle to warn of threats and can work together on tasks like digging burrows. Their digging also keeps soil healthy in woodlands and plains, which makes them habitat engineers.
Did you know?
- Scientists use the name Marmota monax for the groundhog today.
- Groundhogs communicate threats to each other by whistling.
- The IUCN lists the groundhog as Least Concern.
Questions about the groundhog
Where do groundhogs live?
Groundhogs live in lowland areas across much of the Eastern United States, Canada and Alaska.
Is a groundhog the same as a woodchuck?
Yes. Woodchuck is another common name for the groundhog.
Sources
- Wikidata Q221612, checked October 8, 2026
- Wikipedia: Groundhog, checked October 8, 2026
Facts are compiled from these open sources and rewritten in our own words. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.