Meet the Groundhog
Groundhogs (Marmota monax) belong to the family of large ground squirrels known as marmots. Though they are found all over North America, their highest concentration is recorded in the northeastern and central United States.
Common Names
Other than "groundhog," this rodent is also known as land-beaver, whistle pig, and woodchuck.
Size of a Groundhog
A groundhog measures 16-26 inches and weighs around 4-9 lbs. It is the largest member of the Sciuridae family in this region, something that aptly reflects on its eating habits. On average, groundhogs eat one-third of their body weight every day, feeding on any plant matter they come across. While that has earned them the ire of farmers and gardeners alike, this very feeding habit comes to their rescue when they hibernate during the cold months.
Groundhogs' Diet
Eating Habits
Groundhogs are primarily herbivorous, and they feed on a wide range of vegetation, from grass to agricultural produce. They are known to leave their burrows in search of food in broad daylight. These rodents are often seen eating wild grass, roots, leaves, bark, flowers, fruits, and vegetables.
They seldom drink water directly from water sources. Instead, they depend on the plants they eat for hydration. Though they live on the ground, groundhogs are also known to climb trees to feed on fruits at times.
Groundhog Does Not Store Food
While groundhogs prefer green vegetation, roots and bark form an important part of their diet as well. They do feed on nuts, but unlike their cousins the squirrels, they do not store them.
They dig their burrows close to farms, gardens, and orchards to make sure food is available in plenty at any given time. In rare cases, groundhogs also display omnivorous traits by feeding on grasshoppers, grubs, snails, and similar small creatures.
Groundhogs' Appetite for Vegetables
It is well known that the groundhog's diet is not restricted to wild plants. It also includes flowering plants and vegetables. Alfalfa, lettuce, tomatoes, broccoli, carrots, melons, cucumbers, and other home-grown vegetables are their favorite foods. These rodents are known to wipe out vast stretches of vegetables with great ease.
A Threat to Crops
Groundhogs also have a great appetite for flowers like marigolds, sunflowers, and snapdragons. Because they destroy standing plants so readily, they are considered a menace by farmers and gardening enthusiasts across North America.
A Lesser Known Fact
One lesser-known fact about groundhogs is that they only eat voraciously during the warm months of the year. During the cold months, they go into hibernation, during which they stop eating completely for a period.
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The Hibernation Factor
Winter Adaptation
If groundhogs have earned a reputation for being voracious eaters, it is because they eat so much during the warm months. Groundhogs are "true hibernators," and their enormous appetite is an adaptation, the fat they build up helps them survive the cold months ahead.
The Period of Hibernation
Groundhogs hibernate from October to April by building special burrows below the frost line. (The time frame may vary by climate. In some regions they hibernate for almost half of the year, while in others they hibernate for only 3-4 months.)
When they come out of hibernation, they are greeted with greenery all around and plenty of food to feast on.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a groundhog's scientific name?
Marmota monax, they are large ground squirrels in the marmot family.
Do groundhogs eat vegetables from gardens?
Yes, alfalfa, lettuce, tomatoes, broccoli, carrots, melons, and cucumbers are among their favorites.
How much does a groundhog eat each day?
On average, one-third of their body weight every day during the warm months.
When do groundhogs hibernate?
October to April, in special burrows built below the frost line.
Are groundhogs a conservation concern?
No, they are listed as Least Concern by the IUCN and are thriving in North America.
Other Factors Affecting Their Diet
Seasonal Availability of Food
Hibernation is one of the major factors shaping a groundhog's diet, but other factors matter too. Seasonal food availability plays a key role in what they eat. Fruits and vegetables make up the bulk of their summer diet, while flowers are considered a delicacy in spring.
You can explore how other hibernating animals prepare for winter, and read more about the fascinating facts about groundhogs in our companion guides.
Oversized Incisors
Continuous feeding helps groundhogs keep their incisors properly trimmed. Like other rodents, groundhogs have large incisors that grow throughout their life. If left unattended, these incisors become abnormally large, eventually making it impossible for the animal to feed.
When groundhogs chew their food (especially the roots and bark of trees) these incisors wear down from use, which keeps them in proper condition.
Least Concerned Species
With their tendency to feed on every plant they come across, it is not surprising that groundhogs often clash with humans. That has not affected their population much, though, and this "pest" continues to thrive in North America.
The decline in numbers of wolves and other animals that prey on groundhogs has actually helped their population grow. The species is therefore listed as a Least Concern species by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).
Explore More Animals
Wonderfully Astounding Facts About GroundhogsGroundhogs are large ground squirrels also known as woodchucks and marmots. Discover facts about their burrows, hibernation, Groundhog Day, and much more.
What Do Squirrels Eat?We often come across squirrels around our homes, but seldom do we pay attention to what they eat. Their eating habits go well beyond nuts and corn.
What Do Pigs Eat? Diet Patterns of These OmnivoresBeing omnivorous, pigs feed on both plant and animal matter. Here is a brief overview about the diet of wild and domestic pigs.
Facts About Gray Squirrels: The State Mammal of North CarolinaDiscover everything about the gray squirrel (Sciurus carolinensis), its drey nest, scatter-hoarding food tricks, ever-growing teeth, and life in the trees.
Fun fact for today!Groundhogs are also called whistle pigs because they make a sharp whistling sound when they sense danger!