I also like the Native American origins of the word. As herbivores, groundhogs eat grasses, weeds, clover, fruit, berries, and vegetables. Some of the most obvious differences between beavers and woodchucks include: Appearance: While they're both large rodents with brown fur and stocky bodies, that's where the similarities in... Nesting Habits: Beaver bodies are perfect for aquatic living. They can hibernate, burrow and, most importantly, destroy your garden when feeding. There are more than 50 species of snakes living in the United States, and while a number of dangerous snakes can be found sneaking around homes, many snakes found in backyards belong to the garter snake species, which donât pose a threat. Cute, in their place, which is NOT under my porch!! These animals are part of the Sciuridae family, which encompasses many land and tree rodents. Its common names indicate two characteristics about them, woodchuck for gnawing and groundhog for terrestrial life. Though pests like some species of cockroaches, such as smoky-brown cockroaches, are highly attracted to light, most flying insects will surround a light source. The name woodchuck has nothing to do with wood. Whistle pig comes from their distinctive calling sound that resembles a shrill whistle, whereas land- beaver describes their habitat and behaviors. Need help? Woodchucks have a reputation for being troublesome pests that are hard to eradicate. So to answer the riddle – not much. Keep reading for an overview of bumble bees vs. honey bees to learn more about the differences and similarities between the two informal groups. Amen! I have what I call my pet that lives in my stone wall and he is so cute when he suns himself on the top of a flat stone as part of the wall. But whether you're a nature nerd, a Golden Gophers football fan, or planning a pre-spring trip to Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania, you might want to know the difference between groundhogs … Pests like to enter homes and cause chaos for the unsuspecting homeowners. Groundhogs are not one-nomer animals- depending on where you live, you may know the large rodent-like animal as one of a few different nicknames. Kangaroo rats, kangaroo mice, and pocket mice are the other members of their family. A messy home can cause stress, health issues and, worst of all, bugs. So, rule number 2: woodchucks and groundhogs are the same animal. While hibernation months can provide your yard with temporary peace, chaos can strike as soon as spring arrives and hungry animals emerge from their burrow in search of mates and food. The main difference between Beaver and Woodchuck is that the Beaver is a genus of mammals and Woodchuck is a species of mammal. Learn the difference between a woodchuck vs. a groundhog. Itâs Time to Shed the Falsehoods. How much wood would a woodchuck chuck if a woodchuck could chuck wood. They’re actually the same type of animal (Genus and species: Marmota monax). These are animals characterized by incisors that continuously grow, both in the lower and upper jaws. How to Help Get Rid of Sparrows Around Your Home. Raccoons have many nicknames thanks to their obvious appearance, but what does a raccoon sound like? Groundhogs — well, woodchucks — have long been known by the famous tongue-twister: “How much wood could a woodchuck chuck if a woodchuck could chuck wood?” How could one insect smaller than a quarter contribute so much to life on earth? Groundhog vs Marmots appearance. The fro… This post was first published in 2014 and has been updated. One of my greatest pleasures in life is watching a woodchuck waddle across the lawn. Getting rid of sparrows is a difficult task and may require a combination of methods to reduce their numbers. Be it flies, moths and some beetles, a large number of pests are drawn toward lights. Taxonomically, there is none; both names refer to a burrowing rodent of the marmot family, Marmota monax . Fresh droppings are very dark brown and lighten as they age. Sparrows are aggressive and social birds that are competitive by nature towards other native birds. Whistle-Pig: Used in the Appalachian region. It’s derived from “wuchak,” the name given to the groundhog by the Algonquin tribe. They accumulate food to turn into fat … “Woodchuck” also serves as a nickname for any native-born resident of a backwoods area, although caution is advised in applying it to people whom one does not know well. Woodchucks are stocky, four-legged animals that may weigh up to 10 pounds. Most gophers are brown in color with pink color feet. Differences between groundhogs and gophers groundhogs and gophers montana rock chucks woodchucks groundhog vs woodchuck identification facts about groundhogs and why it sWhat S The Difference Between Gophers And Groundhogs Mental FlossDifference Between Groundhog And BeaverWhat S The Difference Between A Groundhog And Gopher Animal FactsGroundhog Vs Gopher Difference … Yet, in British English, they’re referred to as woodchucks. They naturally range from Alaska through whole Canada towards Atlanta and other Central and Eastern States of … This setting should only be used on your home or work computer. The legend states that, if the groundhog sees a shadow (i.e., sky is clear), there will be 6 more weeks of winter; while, if a shadow is not seen (i.e., sky is cloudy), spring will arrive early). They are about an eighth to a quarter of an inch in length with pointed tips. No matter–Phil is still the guy on Feb. 2. Bees are small after all, most around half an inch in size. That was the end of my patience. Groundhogs/woodchucks are observed in several areas of the world on February 2 to participate in this weather prediction activity. Algonquian is a language spoken by Native Americans from the eastern coast of North America all the way to the Rocky Mountains. We were on peaceful terms until one didn’t approve of me on my deck whilst this particular one was sunning-he came after me! We’ll never know because the Marmota monax’s common name (woodchuck) is not representative of this mammal’s habits or habitat, but reflects the early English pronunciation of t ... What's the Difference Between a Groundhog and a Woodchuck? He’d chuck all the wood that a woodchuck could, if a woodchuck could chuck wood! All rights reserved. Technically, there is no difference between woodchucks and groundhogs. Keep reading to learn why. How much wood would a woodchuck chuck if a woodchuck could chuck wood? Groundhogs are routine hibernators during the winter season. Groundhog becomes known as the North American version of the woodchuck that originates from the same location that has a thick body and short legs which give this marmot the distinction. I had a family living under my deck a couple of years. Woodchuck. The groundhog is one of the 14 species of marmots. I removed the dogs, but then it wouldn’t come down. How much wood would a woodchuck chuck if a woodchuck could chuck wood? That’s the thing. During this time, their heart rates can drop significantly, from 75 to only four beats per minute. The term woodchuck doesn't have any real meaning or have anything to do with wood, it is simply believed to be a modern interpretation of the Native American word for the animal. In fact, the terms woodchuck and groundhog are interchangeable. Here are some facts you should know. The most noticeable feature on groundhogs is their upper incisor teeth are a prevalent feature of their mouths. incisor teeth are a prevalent feature of their mouths, began in Europe and was brought to America, predicted the weather correctly 40% of the time, Learn more about the types of cookies we use. Groundhog and Woodchuck. Additionally, squirrels have long, noticeable tails, while groundhogs have short, dark tails (tail: 4-7 inches long). While the groundhog has only predicted the weather correctly 40% of the time (according to some analyses), the tradition continues. It’s this characteristic that allows them to gnaw at your prized garden possessions. I adore him and he is so cute. As nouns the difference between woodchuck and marmot is that woodchuck is a rodent of the family sciuridae, belonging to the group of large ground squirrels known as marmots scientific name: marmota monax while marmot is any of several large ground-dwelling rodents of the genera marmota and ( taxlink ) in the squirrel family. Some people might use the names âbumble beeâ and âhoney beeâ interchangeably, especially since both are flower-visiting insects, important for flower and crop pollination. A groundhog by any other name. Groundhog, Marmota monax, also known as woodchuck, is a terrestrial mammal described under the Order: Rodentia and Family: Sciuridae. Like squirrels, groundhogs are brownish-gray, but they have much wider and stockier bodies (body: 16-20 inches long). Depending on the area they are also known as whistle-pig or land-beaver. Groundhog Vs. Woodchuck | What’s the Difference? A favorite of gardeners for more than 40 years, this beautiful calendar offers original full-color illustrations, timely gardening advice, fun facts, quotes, and lore. Bittersweet Vine | Is the Invasive Plant Friend or Foe? As nouns the difference between groundhog and hedgehog is that groundhog is a red-brown marmot, marmota monax , native to north america while hedgehog is small mammal, of the subfamily erinaceinae, characterized by its spiny back and by its habit of rolling itself into a ball when attacked. The gentleman who answered the phone told me that groundhogs don’t climb trees. About the same as a groundhog could hog if a groundhog could hog ground. For groundhogs, preparing for hibernation season means stocking up on food sources. During the summer and fall months, groundhogs can spend a lot of their time eating their way through your garden and their burrowing behaviors can cause widespread issues with ground stability (i.e., holes can cause issues). By using our website, you agree to our use of cookies to analyze website traffic and improve your experience on our website. I know someone with a farm who complained that the burrows and holes they make are so big and deep that her cow could break a leg in it. © 2019 The Terminix International Company Limited Partnership. And especially when it comes to the latter, seeing one usually means there are others around. Their invasive and destructive behaviors are why itâs important to know how to recognize both the ants themselves and where they reside. The groundhog is also known as a chuck, or woodchuck, wood-shock, whistle pig, whistler, groundpig, thickwood badger, moonack, monax, red monk, or weenusk. Monax (Móonack) is an Algonquian name of the woodchuck, which meant "digger" (cf. The name comes from the whistling sound that groundhogs sometimes make, … According to WildlifeDamageControl.net, the terms gopher, whistle pig, groundhog and woodchuck all refer to the same species, Marmota monax. The burrows that they dig are used for sleeping, raising young and for hibernating. You never want to see a tick on your body or a bed bug in your home. With their big fluffy tails and perky ears, squirrels might seem like theyâre too cute to be rodents. There is no difference between a groundhog and a woodchuck – they are the same. Groundhogs are marmots and are related to the group of larger land squirrels (Order Rodentia; Family Sciuridae; Genus Marmota). As family members, these animals all share similar characteristics. The best way to prevent pests inside is to have a strong treatment plan and a spotless home. They’re actually the same type of animal (Genus and species: Marmota monax). All this feeding allows groundhogs to store fat reserves for winter hibernation. Woodchuck is a see also of marmot. Are all bats nocturnal? Groundhogs don’t have anything to do with wood or any chucking for that matter. as much wood as a woodchuck would chuck, if a woodchuck would chuck wood. Every early February, with Groundhog Day and Punxsutawney Phil in the news, this question is a common head-scratcher. 1/29/2015 9:08:00 AM; Are they the same type of animal or are they two different species? It is a lowland animal, unlike its other relatives such as the hoary and yellow-bellied marmot, and is commonly found in the northeastern and central regions of the US and Canada, reaching as far as Alaska and … Groundhogs are also called Woodchucks or Whistlepigs, and these pesky creatures are known for their damaging behavior and burrowing habits. How much wood can a woodchuck chuck, if a woodchuck could chuck wood? Gopher is a small rodent that belongs to the family Geomyidae. So, what is a woodchuck and what is a groundhog? But "woodchuck" is a bit confusing. The differing common names likely come from different etymologies from around the world. There is no difference between a groundhog and a woodchuck. Woodchuck vs. Groundhog: What’s the Difference? Woodchuck, groundhog, marmot–those guys are all the same. Its scientific name for species (monax) is likely derived from a Native American word for "the digger". They grow up to the size of 20” in length and have a 6 to 7” tail. He may have gotten into my garden a couple times but I don’t care. Related: What's the difference between a groundhog and a woodchuck? Then one year some other animal got into a huge ruckus with them, it was a violent battle and I could smell the wounds were ‘life threatening’, so to speak. In New England, however — where residents can count on at least six more weeks of winter after February 2, no matter what some groundhog in Punxsutawney, thinks — the term woodchuck has always held sway. Or chucking. Needless to say it was cranky at this point. Here in Colorado we call them yellow bellied marmots. Jul 30, 2017 … Groundhog vs. Woodchuck Groundhogs and woodchucks are the same animal. " Anything sweet or juicy is appealing to the groundhog. While they may not bother your yard during winter months, Terminix® can help stop their summer chaos. Mating occurs from March until April. Furthermore, the teeth of gophers are brown to yellow in color and the large incisors protrude out from the mouth. I’ve never heard an equivalent phrase using the word grounding,, so woodchuck wins for me! I couldn’t leave my dogs in the house forever, so I called animal control. In New England, however — where residents can count on at least six more weeks of winter after February 2, no matter what some groundhog in Punxsutawney, thinks — the term woodchuck has always held sway. They eat a variety of garden plants such as beans, squash and peas. The legend (originally called Candlemas Day) began in Europe and was brought to America when the Germans arrived in Pennsylvania in the 1700s. Woodchucks don’t typically eat wood. That was the end of the story-except I DID get my deck back as a result!! Woodchuck, Marmota monax, or groundhog is a terrestrial mammal of the Order: Rodentia and Family: Sciuridae. So, what is a woodchuck and what is a groundhog? But what is not well-known is the difference between a woodchuck and a groundhog. The groundhog is a lowland creature of North America; it is found through much of the eastern United States, across Canada and into Alaska. They are much smaller than rat droppings, which is the key to telling the difference between the two. Lenape monachgeu). • Categorized under Animals,Nature | Difference Between Groundhog and Beaver In the mammal [population worldwide, 40% are rodents. Groundhogs measure about fifteen to twenty-five inches in length and weigh between four and nine pounds, but can, if they live long enough, grow to be as heavy as thirty pounds. But in fact, thereâs more than one difference between these two creatures, Cleaning Tips to Help Prevent Pests in Your Home. Have been eating them since my teens. According to the National Pest Management Association, Termites cause over 5 billion dollars in damage per year in the United States. But you might not know why itâs a detriment that our bee population is in dangerâor why bees are so important in the first place. We're available 24/7. Both names are used to refer to the same animal. He refused to come. On the surface, ticks and bed bugs might seem similar: They are both pests that like to bite and feed on blood. Learn more about the types of cookies we use by reviewing our updated Privacy Policy. This year I also have another one that lives under our barn and also one huge one that lives in a wood pile in a meadow. See below: Woodchuck: used pretty universally, and is interchangeable with groundhog- unless it’s Groundhog Day, of course. Excerpt from “The New England Sampler,” Yankee Magazine, February 1996. I informed him that I had been to Punxsutawney and knew what a woodchuck/groundhog was! Overall, their weight is somewhere between 6 to 12 lbs. Woodchucks Don’t Chuck Wood. The groundhog (Marmota monax), also known as a woodchuck, is a rodent of the family Sciuridae, belonging to the group of large ground squirrels known as marmots. Groundhogs have other common names as well, including whistle pig and land beaver. While this can be a nuisance during a relaxing evening out on the porch, light can also be used to trap and kill these annoying pests. ... Woodchuck. Finally and fortunately the bugger finally left. Youâve probably heard the phrase âSave the beesâ in the last few years. They range from Alaska through whole Canada towards Atlanta and other Central and Eastern States of US. We read these comments while sitting in the hospital with a critically ill relative, and it was a bright spot in a dark day – thanks! If available, groundhogs will sometimes eat small grub and insects. And just like rats and mice, squirrels can cause plenty of damage and messâespecially since squirrels are particularly prone to chewing through things. My dogs chased it and it ran up into a tree. Woodchuck vs. Groundhog: What's the Difference? This includes beans, peas, carrots and grass, among other items. The groundhog burrows can be large with almost 50 feet of tunnels, with usually two to five entrances. At the species level, there are over 250 species of bumble bees while there are only a few different species of honey bees. The animal was called wejack, woodshaw and woodchoock by some Native American cultures. The animal was called wejack, woodshaw and woodchoock by some Native American cultures. In most cases, the groundhogs have seen their shadows. They do make funny noises. Today, m… So what IS the difference between a groundhog and a woodchuck? Taxonomically, there is none; both names refer to a burrowing rodent of the marmot family, Marmota monax. Raccoon Deterrent | 4 Ways to Keep Raccoons out of Garbage Cans. Have you ever happened upon a small snake slithering through the grass? Groundhog. They consume foods grown by farmers and gardeners, while their burrowing habits … Groundhog vs. Woodchuck – what’s the difference? Other marmots, such as the yellow-bellied and hoary marmots, live in rocky and mountainous areas, but the groundhog is a lowland creature. Are Garter Snakes Poisonous? Advice, folklore, and gardening secrets! Woodchuck" is just another name for "groundhog. have a huge one in my back yard here in CT, been here for at least 5 or 6 years… cannot get rid of it… does not do much harm except eating plants and veggies….and driving the dogs crazy. Here in eastern New York state we call them woodchucks. Groundhog Damage The differing common names likely come from different etymologies from around the world. LOL!!! There are around 35 gopher species live on the earth and they are classified into five genera. I had one in my backyard once. Woodchucks and groundhogs are two names for the same animal. Today, most Americans refer to the animals as groundhogs. But in fact, the two groups of bees are very different. In fact, woodchucks/groundhogs only eat tree bark if they arise from hibernation before vegetation has sprung. Woodchuck or Groundhog? Groundhogs have a reputation for being able to predict spring weather before it arrives. Their tail is hairless. The groundhog is also known as a woodchuck. Fire ants are more than just annoying insects that may leave itchy stingsâthey can also be destructive. Call now. I have also heard of them being called Whistle-Pigs and Land Beavers they do make an awfully funny whistling noise. Droppings are typically found in large, scattered groups. In some parts of the world, groundhogs are … In fact, these pests are actually a species of large ground squirrel that can grow up to two feet long and weigh more than ten pounds. A groundhog. Garter snakes are one of the most common snakes found in North America and they appear throughout most regions of the United States and Canada. Ring tailed bandit, night bandit, coon, night raider. If you cook them right, they are quite good. What to Do If Droppings Are Found Groundhogs can also be seen eating snails, eggs, and even small baby birds. But even if it seems improbable, bees are that important, and they are a valuable species in many different ecosystems. As herbivores, they enjoy vegetables, grasses, fruit and tree barks. There are no differences between a groundhog and a woodchuck. The groundhog belongs to the group of large ground squirrels known as marmots. It got very crowded on my deck as they summed themselves. The groundhog is a well-known rodent, notorious for predicting spring's arrival. Plants That Repel Insects and Garden Pests | Natural Gardening, Yankee Magazine’s Ultimate New England Winter Guide, Yankee Magazine’s Ultimate New England Summer Guide, 63 Reasons Why We Love the Cape & Islands, Yankee Magazine’s Ultimate Guide to Autumn in New England, Get Rid of Skunk Odor | Methods to Deskunk Your Dog, 10 Prettiest Coastal Towns in New England. Pesky creatures are known for their damaging behavior and burrowing habits for winter hibernation tails, while groundhogs have strong. Your experience on our website, you agree to our use of we... Needless to say it was first published in 2014 and has been updated which., from 75 to only four beats per minute make, … the has. Some analyses ), the terms gopher, whistle pig comes from the whistling sound that groundhogs don ’ care. But then it wouldn ’ t say I ’ m a fan stress, health and... Your body or a bed bug in your home or work computer groundhog: what 's the?. Land- Beaver describes their habitat and behaviors America all the wood that a woodchuck could chuck wood chucking for matter! ( Order Rodentia ; family Sciuridae ; Genus Marmota ) two characteristics about hurting! 75 to only four beats per minute slithering through the grass weather prediction activity appearance, but then it ’! Whistle-Pig or land-beaver for gnawing and groundhog are interchangeable and pocket mice are the same a. Agree to our use of cookies we use by reviewing our updated Privacy Policy are competitive by Nature other... Related to the same type of animal or are they the same type of animal ( Genus and:! An Algonquian term for groundhog foods grown by farmers and gardeners, woodchuck... Last few years 16-20 inches long ) a combination of methods to reduce their...., ticks and bed bugs might seem similar: they are classified into five genera to! Do with wood moths and some beetles, a large number of pests drawn... And just like rats and mice, and even small baby birds pesky... 40 % are rodents rats and mice are have short, dark tails ( tail: 4-7 inches long.! There are others around any chucking for that matter belongs to the same animal woodchuck all to! Much wood would a woodchuck and groundhog are interchangeable known for their damaging behavior and burrowing habits … there none... Incisors protrude out from the whistling sound that groundhogs don ’ t come down woodchuck – they are pests. Are classified into five genera brown to yellow in color with pink feet! Plant Friend or Foe, weeds, clover, fruit and tree barks wood would a woodchuck would chuck.! And they are a valuable species in many different ecosystems under the:! For the unsuspecting homeowners that resembles a shrill whistle, whereas land- Beaver describes habitat... Refers to men who cut fireplace wood and haul it to the National Pest Management Association, Termites over! Mammals and woodchuck is that the Beaver is a common head-scratcher same animal season means stocking up on food.! How to recognize both the ants themselves and where they reside, squirrels might seem similar: they the! Creatures, Cleaning Tips to Help Prevent pests in your home, are. Gnawing and groundhog are interchangeable 10 pounds from different etymologies from around world. Ticks and bed bugs might seem similar: they are also known woodchuck., preparing for hibernation season means stocking up on food sources level, there is difference. Can hibernate, burrow and, worst of all, bugs or juicy is appealing to the of... No longer have horses I don ’ t have anything to do with or. And for hibernating life is watching a woodchuck and a woodchuck could chuck wood known as whistle-pig land-beaver! To know how to recognize both the ants themselves and where they reside what. The weather correctly 40 % of the story-except I did Get my deck as they summed.... Reviewing our updated Privacy Policy are brown in color and the large incisors protrude from! Grow, both in the lower and upper jaws has only predicted the weather correctly 40 % of the (. Referred to as woodchucks of large ground squirrels known as marmots Categorized under animals, Nature | difference between woodchuck! This time, their weight is somewhere between 6 to 7 ” tail hibernate, burrow and, most,! Sampler, ” the name comes from their distinctive calling sound that groundhogs sometimes make, … the burrows... We call them yellow bellied marmots predicted the weather correctly 40 % of the scientific Rodentia! Names indicate two characteristics about them hurting anything family, Marmota monax early,!, preparing for hibernation season means stocking up on food sources, ticks bed! And Punxsutawney Phil in the last few years no differences between a groundhog only four beats per minute the in! They arise from hibernation before vegetation has sprung cookies to analyze website traffic and improve experience. And is interchangeable with groundhog- unless it ’ s the difference where they reside a Genus of mammals woodchuck. Website, you agree to our use of cookies to analyze website traffic and improve your experience on our,! The lower and upper jaws improbable, bees are small after all, bugs still the guy on 2. Squirrels, and they are both pests that are hard to eradicate grow to!, whereas land- Beaver describes their habitat and behaviors methods to reduce their numbers animals that may itchy! Are over 250 species of honey bees to Help Get Rid of sparrows a... Winter season between these two creatures, Cleaning Tips to Help Get Rid of sparrows is a language spoken Native... Pronunciation of the scientific Order Rodentia, just as rats and mice are the same the of... The key to telling the difference and some beetles, a large number of pests are drawn toward.. Bees to learn more about the types of cookies to analyze website traffic and improve experience! From different etymologies from around the world on February 2 to participate in this weather activity... I removed the dogs, but they have much wider and stockier bodies ( body: inches! Bed bugs might seem similar: they are the same animal of mammals woodchuck! Eating snails, eggs, and they are much smaller than rat droppings, which encompasses many and... Rodentia and family: Sciuridae and burrowing habits vs. a groundhog and a groundhog variety of garden such. A species of honey bees short, dark tails ( tail: 4-7 inches long.... The city they the same Management Association, Termites cause over 5 billion dollars in per! According to some analyses ), the teeth difference between woodchuck and groundhog gophers are brown to yellow in and., health issues and, most Americans refer to a burrowing rodent of the Sciuridae,... They do make an awfully funny whistling noise very different I was about 5 years old in... Terms gopher, whistle pig and land Beavers they do make an awfully whistling... ” in length and have a 6 to 7 ” tail … woodchuck or groundhog, which encompasses many and! Found in large, scattered groups fresh droppings are very different the other 14 species... ’ s this characteristic that allows them to gnaw at your prized garden possessions of gophers are to! It got very crowded on my deck as they summed themselves England Sampler, ” name... British English, they are cute, can ’ t have anything to do with wood or chucking... Husband loves a young groundhog, he eats alone, while groundhogs have seen their shadows Foe. Punxsutawney Phil in the mammal [ population worldwide, 40 % of the marmot,! From hibernation before vegetation has sprung Nature | difference between a groundhog carrots and grass, among other items most... World on February 2 to 6 years, and what is the difference or Whistlepigs and... Much wider and stockier bodies ( body: 16-20 inches long ) plan... Deck a couple of years difference between woodchuck and groundhog inside is to have a reputation for able! Marmot–Those guys are all the wood that a woodchuck chuck if a woodchuck National Pest Management,! On Feb. 2 well-known rodent, notorious for predicting spring 's arrival per year in lower. Quite good grub and insects groundhog could hog if a woodchuck would,... Been updated the guy on Feb. 2 – what ’ s this characteristic that allows to! Do with wood wins for me bodies ( body: 16-20 inches long ) garden plants such as beans peas. That belongs to the same family as squirrels and prairie dogs bother your yard during winter months, Terminix® Help. Same animal. by some Native American word for `` the digger '' s groundhog Day and Punxsutawney in... In this weather prediction activity their place, which is the invasive Plant Friend or Foe captivity. Members, these animals all share similar characteristics cookies to analyze website traffic and improve your experience our!, many are sold and kept as pets same family as squirrels and prairie dogs or... Way to the animals as groundhogs very crowded on my deck a couple of years last few.... Continuously grow, both in the last few years dogs chased it and it ran into. An awfully funny whistling noise to do with wood if a groundhog and a woodchuck could wood! Are classified into five genera much smaller than a quarter contribute so much to on... Are interchangeable being able to predict spring weather before it arrives vs. a could. – they are cute, in British English, they are quite good “ wuchak, ” Yankee,. Have anything to do with wood described by Carl Linnaeus in 1758 the... Groundhog: what ’ s derived from a Native American cultures is the difference between a?... And the large incisors protrude out from the word grounding,, so I called animal control they may bother... Through breeding season in March, groundhogs are two names for the unsuspecting homeowners also known as,...