Marmota monax

Woodchucks lose about 33-40% of their weight during hibernation. Most of the loss happens because they rouse and warm up every week or two.
 
Photo Credit: Geoffrey A. Hammerson
Marmota monax
Common Name: woodchuck
Other Common Names: groundhog
Animal Guild: Mammal
Class > Order > Family: Mammalia > Rodentia > Sciuridae
What does the species look like?

Woodchucks have grizzled brown, sometimes reddish to blackish fur, dark feet, a short, bushy tail, short legs, and small ears. They typically reach a total length of about 32.3 inches (82 cm).
 
Where is the species found?
States & Provinces
AB, AK, AL, AR, BC, CT, DC, DE, GA, IA, ID, IL, IN, KS, KY, MA, MB, MD, ME, MI, MN, MO, MS, NB, NC, ND, NE, NH, NJ, NL, NS, NT, NY, OH, OK, ON, PA, QC, RI, SC, SD, SK, TN, VA, VT, WI, WV, YT
Distribution

Their range extends from central Alaska eastward across Canada south of the treeline to Labrador, and south in eastern North America to Georgia, Alabama, Louisiana, and Arkansas; in the west the species is absent from the Great Plains and ranges southward only to northern Idaho.
 

Woodchucks live in open habitats like meadows, pastures, old fields, and orchards, often near wooded areas.
 
General Phenology and Life History

They emerge from hibernation in winter or early spring, depending on location. The earliest emergence occurs in the southern part of the range; in the north, “groundhog day” should be observed much later than February 2! Adults mate right after they emerge from hibernation. Juveniles emerge from their burrows in spring, when they are about a month old. Woodchucks return to their burrows in fall, earlier in northern areas and later in more southerly regions.
 
Which phenophases should I observe?
Do you see/hear...?
Activity Live individuals
One or more individuals are seen or heard moving about or at rest.
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Feeding
One or more individuals are seen feeding. If possible, record the name of the species or substance being eaten or describe it in the comments field.

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Development Young individuals
One or more recently born or young individuals are seen, living or dead, including those individuals found dead on a road.

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Dead individuals
One or more dead individuals are seen.

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What do these phenophases look like?

There is currently no photoguide available for this species. If you'd like help us create one, use the guidance document and species template provided here. Then send it via email to education@usanpn.org when it is complete.

ITIS information for woodchuck (ITIS TSN: 180137 )