Groundhogs, also known as woodchucks or whistle-pigs, are common burrowing rodents found across much of North America, from the eastern United States to Canada and Alaska. As members of the squirrel family, Sciuridae, they are among the larger ground squirrels, known as marmots. These animals are often seen in open fields, meadows, and along the edges of woodlands. Their presence is frequently indicated by their intricate underground tunnel systems.
The Specific Name for a Groundhog Group
Several terms are used for a group of groundhogs. The most commonly accepted collective nouns for groundhogs include a “colony” or a “coterie.” The term “colony” reflects their tendency to live in underground burrows, which can form a network of shared spaces. A “coterie” suggests a smaller, more exclusive gathering. Scientists often refer to them simply as a “group.”
Groundhog Social Dynamics
Despite the use of terms like “colony,” groundhogs are largely solitary animals. An individual groundhog typically occupies its burrow alone for most of the year. Interactions between males and females are primarily limited to the breeding season, when males may visit female burrows.
After a 31 to 32-day gestation, females give birth to a litter, usually comprising three to five young. The young remain with their mother for two to three months before dispersing to establish their own territories and dig their own burrows. While generally solitary, some research indicates groundhogs might be more social than once thought, with related individuals occasionally occupying overlapping territories.
Groundhog Habits and Lifestyle
Groundhogs are skilled excavators, constructing complex underground burrow systems that serve multiple purposes. These burrows can extend 8 to 66 feet in length and typically feature two to ten entrances, with an average of five. The intricate design includes separate chambers for sleeping, raising young, and a distinct area for waste, demonstrating their clean habits. These burrows also offer shelter to other wildlife and contribute to soil aeration and health.
Groundhogs are primarily herbivorous, consuming wild grasses, leaves, berries, and agricultural crops. They obtain much of their moisture from the plants they eat. While mostly plant-based, their diet occasionally includes small invertebrates such as grubs, grasshoppers, snails, and bird eggs.
Groundhogs enter a deep sleep from late fall (October) until late winter or early spring (March or April). During hibernation, their body temperature drops, and their heart rate and breathing slow. They rely on fat reserves to sustain them, often losing a portion of their body weight. Males emerge earlier than females.