The Woodchuck Page

Woodchucks are found in the East and Midwest (including Wisconsin), as far south as the Carolinas and as far west as Iowa. More numerous now than in the Colonial era, they live along the edges of forest areas, preferably near fields of alfalfa and clover or fruit orchards.

Also known as a groundhog, the woodchuck is a member of the squirrel family. It is about two feet long, including its bushy tail. Gray on top and yellowish orange on the underside, it weighs up to 13 pounds during the spring and summer, when it feeds almost constantly. Its weight drops during winter hibernation. Tradition holds that the animal emerges from its sleep on February 2, Groundhog Day. It is said that if the animal does not see its shadow on that day, there will be an early spring.

Expert diggers, woodchucks can burrow out of sight in 60 seconds when pursued by predators. Their burrows may meander for 40 or 50 feet at a depth of three to six feet below the ground. A mound at the entrance allows the resident "chuck" to sit up on his haunches and scout for signs of foxes, dogs, black bears, and other natural enemies.

During the mating season in March and April, males seek out several females in succession. The young are born in about three weeks. Blind and naked at birth, they measure about four inches long and weigh less than two ounces. By mid-summer, however, they are ready to leave the den and establish their territories.

My Favorite Woodchuck (cute, isn't she? :)

Links to more woodchuck info

The Marmot Burrow