Quick answers
| Question | Answer | Scope | Source | Checked |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| What they eat | Whatever plants are in season. Clover, grasses and alfalfa are favorites; grain, bark and leaves are less popular choices. | Groundhogs, Missouri National Recreational River page (NPS) | NPS, Missouri National Recreational River | |
| Where they live | Across the eastern and central United States and north into Canada and Alaska, usually near rocky areas along forest edges. | Groundhogs, Missouri National Recreational River page (NPS) | NPS, Missouri National Recreational River | |
| Do they hibernate? | Yes, in winter. Body temperature can drop to 37 degrees Fahrenheit. | Groundhogs, Missouri National Recreational River page (NPS) | NPS, Missouri National Recreational River | |
| How much they weigh | Around 14 pounds in fall and around 5 pounds in spring, after hibernation. | Groundhogs, Missouri National Recreational River page (NPS) | NPS, Missouri National Recreational River | |
| Burrows | Complex burrows with as many as 10 entrances, used all year. They are mostly above ground only at dawn and dusk. | Groundhogs, Missouri National Recreational River page (NPS) | NPS, Missouri National Recreational River | |
| Other names | Woodchuck and whistlepig. Groundhogs are the largest members of the squirrel family. | Groundhogs, Missouri National Recreational River page (NPS) | NPS, Missouri National Recreational River |
In the sources’ own words
What they eat
National Park Service, Missouri National Recreational River, Groundhog“Groundhogs are generalist herbivores, which means they eat whatever plants are in season at the time.”
“This could range from their favorites like clover, grasses, and alfalfa to some less popular choices like grain, bark, and leaves.”
Scope: Groundhogs, Missouri National Recreational River page (NPS)
Where they live
National Park Service, Missouri National Recreational River, Groundhog“Groundhogs are found across the eastern and central United States, and their range also extend north into Canada and Alaska.”
“They usually live near rocky areas like valley bottoms along forest edges.”
Scope: Groundhogs, Missouri National Recreational River page (NPS)
Do they hibernate?
National Park Service, Missouri National Recreational River, Groundhog“Groundhogs hibernate in the winter, and their weight can fluctuate significantly between when they enter hibernation versus when they emerge in the spring.”
“During hibernation, their body temperature can drop to 37 degrees Fahrenheit.”
Scope: Groundhogs, Missouri National Recreational River page (NPS)
How much they weigh
National Park Service, Missouri National Recreational River, Groundhog“For example, they are around 14 pounds in the fall and around 5 pounds in the spring.”
Scope: Groundhogs, Missouri National Recreational River page (NPS)
Burrows
National Park Service, Missouri National Recreational River, Groundhog“They create complex burrow systems that can have as many as 10 entrances.”
“They use their burrows all year-long and are usually only active above ground at dawn and dusk.”
Scope: Groundhogs, Missouri National Recreational River page (NPS)
Other names
National Park Service, Missouri National Recreational River, Groundhog“Groundhogs are the largest members of the Squirrel family.”
“They are known by several other names like woodchucks and whistlepigs.”
Scope: Groundhogs, Missouri National Recreational River page (NPS)
What these sources do not say
- How long groundhogs live. The park page gives no lifespan.
- How many young a groundhog has, or when they are born.