Groundhog vs Woodchuck Exploring the differences between groundhog and woodchuck would be one of the most impossible tasks, as both the names refer only one animal. The groundhog belongs to the group of large ground squirrels known as marmots. Groundhog and Woodchuck Groundhog, Marmota monax , also known as woodchuck, is a terrestrial mammal described under the Order: Rodentia and Family: Sciuridae. The groundhog is also known as a woodchuck. Fox, coyote, wolf, and bobcat urines are among the forbidding predator scents now sold as groundhog repellents. The groundhog, or woodchuck, is one of 14 species of marmots. Even skunks get more respect. The woodchuck, or groundhog, is a common Missouri rodent with short, powerful legs and a medium-long, bushy, and somewhat flattened tail. There are no differences between a groundhog and a woodchuck. Unlike other ground squirrels, the woodchuck spends much of its life alone. The long, coarse fur of the back is a grizzled grayish brown with a yellowish or reddish cast. Woodchucks may damage garden vegetables, field crops, or orchard and nursery stock. The woodchuck belongs to a group called rodents, which have extra-large front teeth, or incisors. There is no difference between a groundhog and a woodchuck. Supposedly the word “woodchuck” is a corruption of the original Algonquian name for groundhogs, “wejack”, which means “fisher”. It is characterized as a ground squirrel that can climb trees and swim in water. Woodchuck prints are about one and a half inches long. He measured the volume a woodchuck burrow and estimated that if the hole were filled with wood rather than dirt, the woodchuck would have chucked about 700 lbs. Its most common claim to fame is "groundhog day." The tracks will be spaced about four inches apart when walking and twelve inches apart when running. They can get as big as 30 inches from head to tail and 15 pounds. The woodchuck (Marmota monax), belongs to the marmot family, and goes by many names, including groundhog and whistle pig due to the sound they make through their large teeth to warn one another of danger.While there are several species of marmots in North America, our woodchuck is found mostly in the eastern United States and across much of southern Canada. Each year groundhogs enjoy 15 minutes of fame—and then most people proceed to forget about them completely. Groundhogs, or "woodchucks" (Marmota monax) are rodents indigenous to the eastern U.S. and are most often found where a wooded area meets a clearing. At some point, it is believed, wejack was anglicized and became woodchuck, and that’s why groundhogs are known by that name to this day. They are considered as garden pests, since their diet consists primarily of plants … Supposedly the word “woodchuck” is a corruption of the original Algonquian name for groundhogs, “wejack”, which means “fisher”. Neither would a woodchuck! They naturally range from Alaska through whole Canada towards Atlanta and other Central and Eastern States of … They are considered as garden pests, since their diet consists primarily of plants like grass, fruits, agricultural crops, berries, and tree bark. Depending on the area they are also known as whistle-pig or land-beaver. After the first frost, they retreat to their underground burrows and snooze until spring, drawing their sustenance from body fat. Groundhogs are also variously referred to as woodchucks, whistle-pigs, or land-beavers. Each year groundhogs enjoy 15 minutes of fame—and then most people proceed to forget about them completely. The woodchuck, or groundhog, is a common Missouri rodent with short, powerful legs and a medium-long, bushy, and somewhat flattened tail. The groundhog shown in the movie Groundhog Day looks like a cute little creature, but, in reality, there's nothing cute about these animals. The long, coarse fur of the back is a grizzled grayish brown with a yellowish or reddish cast. Begin by learning exactly what groundhogs are, how they live, and what signs to be on the lookout for in order to detect their presence as soon as possible. This animal prefers grassy areas that are scattered with trees and bushes. Eliminate woodpiles and other places where groundhogs nest. Held every year on February 2, Groundhog Day is … The woodchuck (a.k.a. Learn about the differences between a groundhog and a woodchuck — if there even are any — including groundhogs’ habitats, diets, and common behavior, and what it can mean if they invade your property. These rodents live a feast-or-famine lifestyle and gorge themselves all summer to build up plentiful reserves of fat. Groundhogs are also called whistle pigs, grass rats, and earth pigs. A groundhog by any other name. At some point, it is believed, wejack was anglicized and became woodchuck, and that’s why groundhogs are known by that name to this day.