All 4 are omnivores and we could go by size and shape of the scat to eliminate these four further down but were going to look at it from a different perspective. Groundhogs and woodchucks are the same animal – a short-legged, brown mammal that digs complex tunnels and chows down on plants. Badgers live in dens, and though they don’t hibernate during the winter, they can sleep for long periods of time in cold weather. We’re getting down there in number aren’t we? Completing the CAPTCHA proves you are a human and gives you temporary access to the web property. You can read an article we wrote (yes, we really did) about that here. Its face is long and pointed its ears rounded and hairless with a ratlike tail. Squirrels and small rodent have rice-like scat, so it’s definitely not one of those. The woodchuck’s compact, chunky body is supported by short strong legs. Groundhogs generally live off green plants and eat parts of flowers, seeds, stems and consume berries as well. They typically will scrounge for food twice a day, in the morning and evening. But, did you know... Stink bugs are now, unfortunately, common in many homes today. They are about the size of a navy bean when they are born, and will nurse in the mother’s pouch for up to 60 days. With long buck teeth, they spend most of their days gnawing down trees to use for river dams or underwater lodges. They use their front and back feet to dig long, complex tunnels into burrowing in, much like their prairie-dog counterparts. Those animals are closely related to groundhogs. You might hear someone call one of these animals a “woodchuck” or a “whistle-pig.” Are they all one species? OK, we eliminated a few possibilites and now were left with the choices of Pine Marten, Fisher,  Coyote, Gray Fox, Raccoon, Black Bear, Bobcat or Porcupine. It is known that the most famous groundhog on February 2nd is Groundhog Phil, who lives in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania. They interact by mating but having their own burrows. See below: The Eastern groundhog is scientifically known as the Marmota monax. Woodchucks are strict herbivores that forage on fruits, grasses, and plants in flower and vegetable gardens. Groundhog Vs. Woodchuck | What’s the Difference? In fact, badgers will eat a groundhog, prairie dog, or squirrel if they come across one. Much like other large rodents, they use their long front teeth to chew plants and grasses and eat things like melons, fruits and seeded plants. Aside from when mothers raise offspring, from birth to about two months of age, groundhogs are solitary animals. Groundhogs typically mate once per year and don’t stick together as a family unit. We can immediately scratch off the Porcupine because they are herbivores and only eat plants. Visit the Terms of Service for more information, link to 9 Scents That Raccoons Hate (and How to Use Them). Gianini, C. A. Journal of Mammalogy, 6(4), 281-282. This website primarily references personal learning experiences. Groundhogs are well-known for being the celebrated animal on Groundhog Day, where Phil, the woodchuck from Punxsutawney, predicts either early spring or six more weeks of winter, based on if he sees his shadow or not. link to How Do Stink Bugs Get Into Your House? Beavers are also typically much larger than groundhogs and can weigh up to 60 pounds (27.2 kg). Groundhogs excavate their own holes or burrows within minutes. They are found in forests, lakes, and ponds all over North America, Asia, and Europe. As noted above, groundhogs and woodchucks are the same animal. The tradition started way back in 1887, though the reason why is unclear. Woodchuck? In Laboratory Animal Medicine (pp. Recently a family member was interred in Saratoga National Cemetery and the symbols on each headstone peaked my curiosity in what … [Read More...], Before you answer that question let's see if I can set the scene for you, one I've experienced one too many times hiking in the Adirondacks. Groundhog vs Woodchuck. Answer all these questions please 1) Rabbit VS Squirrel 2) Deer VS Moose 3) Cougar VS Wolf 4) Raccoon VS Badger 5) Bobcat VS Wolverine 6) Red Fox VS Weasel 7) Bald Eagle VS Golden Eagle 8) Hedgehog VS Skunk 9) Beaver VS Woodchuck 10) Porcupine VS Tortoise Which of these animals would win in a fight? 1). Opossums have 2-3 litters per year, with an average of seven young per litter. Just like groundhogs, they’re often considered pests due to their habit of wrecking landscapes with holes and eating crops. Damage to rubber hoses in vehicles, such as those used for vacuum and fuel lines, has also been documented. Most woodchucks hibernate in the winter months (usually end of November to February), with the exception of those who live in the southern part of the state since food in the warmer climate is abundant year-round. The name “woodchuck” comes from the Native American word for “digger,” which is “wuchak.” Groundhogs go by many other names, including whistle-pig, thickwood badger, and Canada marmot. This site is owned and operated by Pest Pointers LLC | pestpointers.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. Taxonomically, there is none; both names refer to a burrowing rodent of the marmot family, Marmota monax.In New England, however — where residents can count on at least six more … The groundhog is known by many names, including woodchuck, and whistlepig. Overall, groundhogs do well in warmer climates, which is why they hibernate during winters in complex tunnel systems that are up to 6 feet deep (1.8 m) and 20 feet (6m) long. While they waddle like woodchucks and marmots on land, they are much more graceful in the water, where webbed feet and thick tails used as rudders are an advantage. Another difference between the American badgers and the rest of the squirrel family is the badger’s preference for meat. OK, we eliminated a few possibilites and now were left with the choices of Pine Marten, Fisher, Coyote, Gray Fox, Raccoon, Black Bear, Bobcat or Porcupine. These include prairie dogs, marmots, badgers, or even beavers. Woodchucks are among the few mammals that enter into true hibernation. In some instances it helps to know the mentality of an animal as well, or better put, the audacity of an animal. What Does a Raccoon Sound Like at Night? What can I do to prevent this in the future? As the legend goes, if the groundhog sees its shadow, there will be six more weeks of winter. When threatened, an opossum may bare its teeth, growl, hiss, bite, and exude a smelly, greenish fluid from its anal glands. and stand about four feet tall (60 cm) and closely resemble beavers, just without the webbed tail. Opossums dig around foundations and backyard areas, and sometimes den in attics and garages where they may make a messy nest. The name “woodchuck” comes mostly from the Native American word “Wuchak,” which means, roughly, “digger.” The word developed into the name as we know it, and the names are used interchangeably, even in scientific reports on the groundhog/woodchuck. I came across this on a Youtube video when I was looking for information about identifying nightshade (that’s not what is in my garden after all). The tunnels will have spaces for the woodchuck to defecate, store food in, and sleep, in order to keep their homes clean. The American badger has a squat body, with a characteristic white stripe down its triangle-shaped nose. Like many animals in nature, these pups over time, ween off the care of their mother. Raccoons of all ages can make various types of noises including a chittering sound, purring, snorts, growls, snarls, whimpers and screams. Many of the brown, rodent-like animals that are commonly found in North America may seem the same – beavers, groundhogs, and prairie dogs all exhibit similar behavior. Like woodchucks, they dig elaborate tunnels in order to avoid being out in the open and spend most of their time underground. It can be hard to distinguish other species of similar build and look as the groundhog – which could be why so many people have trouble remembering that groundhogs and woodchucks are the same animal – since there are so many other distinct breeds that all appear to be similar! Gnawing on underground power cables has caused electrical outages. 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