Groundhogs are present in Alabama, where they are commonly known as woodchucks. This large, burrowing rodent (Marmota monax) is a member of the squirrel family and is distributed across much of North America. They are powerful diggers that create extensive tunnel systems used for shelter, hibernation, and raising their young.
Geographical Range Within Alabama
The distribution of the woodchuck in Alabama is not statewide but is generally confined to the northern two-thirds of the state. Their range extends south to approximately the 33rd parallel, excluding most of the coastal plain region. This northern concentration is associated with the Appalachian foothills and the Tennessee Valley, which provide suitable habitat.
Woodchucks prefer open habitats such as meadows, pastures, and the edges of wooded areas, often utilizing fence rows and field borders. Human land-use changes, like clearing forests for agriculture and development, have inadvertently helped the species thrive by creating these preferred open spaces. They establish complex dens in these areas, particularly where the soil is well-drained.
Populations become sparser moving toward the deep south, though woodchucks have been documented in the central region. Their southern limit is restricted by climate and the availability of the specific open habitats required for foraging and burrowing. These animals are common sights along Alabama’s roadways and farmlands across the northern and central counties.
Key Characteristics and Identification
The woodchuck is one of the largest members of the squirrel family, typically measuring 20 to 27 inches long and weighing 5 to 12 pounds. Their coat is a grizzled brownish-gray, resulting from longer guard hairs tipped with silver or white over a dense undercoat. These robust rodents are built specifically for digging, possessing short, strong legs and curved, thick claws.
They are diurnal, meaning they are active primarily during daylight hours, often foraging in the early morning and late afternoon. Their elaborate burrow system usually features a large main entrance marked by a conspicuous mound of excavated dirt. The burrow network also includes a separate, unadorned “plunge hole” used as a quick escape route.
When startled near their den, woodchucks may emit a shrill whistle, earning them the nickname “whistle-pigs.” They are true hibernators, entering a deep sleep from late fall through late winter or early spring. Their diet is chiefly vegetarian, consisting of grasses, clover, and various garden crops.
Managing Interactions and Property Damage
Woodchucks are frequently considered a nuisance due to the damage they cause to gardens, lawns, and structures. Their vegetarian diet leads them to target vegetable gardens and ornamental plants, but the most significant damage comes from their powerful burrowing activities.
A single burrow system can extend up to 60 feet in length and be several feet deep. This burrowing can weaken foundations, retaining walls, and concrete slabs. In agricultural fields, burrows create tripping hazards for livestock and can damage farm equipment. Homeowners often notice large dirt mounds or damage to wooden structures, which they chew to wear down their continuously growing incisor teeth.
Simple deterrence methods include installing a sturdy fence that is buried at least one foot deep and bent outward at a 45-degree angle. Habitat modification, such as removing brush piles and overgrown vegetation near structures, makes the area less attractive for den construction. Woodchucks are classified as an unprotected species in Alabama and can be legally controlled if they are causing property damage.