A groundhog, also known as a woodchuck or whistlepig, is a large, burrowing rodent and a type of marmot. Part of the squirrel family (Sciuridae), they are recognized for their robust bodies and digging abilities. Many wonder if these animals extend their range to Florida. This curiosity often arises due to observations of other digging animals in the state.
Groundhog Geographic Range
Groundhogs (Marmota monax) are not native to Florida and are not found in the state. Their natural geographic distribution spans North America, primarily the eastern and central United States, extending into Canada and Alaska. They are found as far south as Georgia and Alabama, reaching northward into Ontario and Quebec, and westward through the Northwest Territories and southern Yukon.
These animals prefer lowland habitats, including open country and woodland edges, such as fields, pastures, and hedgerows. They construct extensive burrow systems in well-drained soil, which serve as shelter for sleeping, raising young, and hibernation. Florida’s climate and ecosystems do not support the conditions groundhogs require, particularly the prolonged cold periods necessary for their deep hibernation.
Florida Animals Often Mistaken for Groundhogs
Florida is home to several burrowing animals that might be mistaken for groundhogs due to their size or digging habits. The gopher tortoise (Gopherus polyphemus), a reptile, is known for its impressive burrows that can extend up to 40 feet long and 10 feet deep. These tortoises are herbivores that primarily consume herbaceous plants and are active year-round in Florida’s warm climate.
The nine-banded armadillo (Dasypus novemcinctus) is another common burrowing animal in Florida. Distinctive for their leathery, armored shell and strong claws, they dig burrows up to 7 feet deep and 20 feet long. These omnivores primarily eat insects and invertebrates and are mostly nocturnal, foraging by digging shallow holes.
The Southeastern pocket gopher (Geomys pinetis) is a smaller, subterranean rodent native to sandy soils in Florida, Georgia, and Alabama. These gophers spend most of their lives underground in extensive tunnel systems and possess external, fur-lined cheek pouches for carrying food. Unlike groundhogs, they primarily feed on roots and tubers.
The Virginia opossum (Didelphis virginiana) often uses abandoned burrows for shelter, though they do not dig their own.