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The Woodchuck

Woodchucks and Woodchuck Control

ID Your Woodchuck


The locations where these woodchucks live can be found on our Woodchuck Geography page

The timid woodchuck, also known as a "ground hog" or "whistle pig", is a member of the squirrel family and is usually about the size of a small dog. The woodchuck's eyes, ears, and nose are strategically placed on the top of the head enabling it to check over the rim of its burrow for danger without exposing the rest of its body. Woodchucks are found to weigh anywhere from 6.5 to 11 pounds with the male of the woodchuck species typically weighing in a bit heavier than the female. The body of the woodchuck is most often found to be between 18 and 26 inches long with the tail typically making up a quarter of this length. The body is covered with a primary layer of dark colored, short, wooly fur and a secondary, sparse layer of longer alternating yellow or red-brown colored hair tipped with white giving the woodchuck a banded appearance. The woodchuck has a stocky body fitted on top of what could be called "stubby" legs in proportion to its torso. Its Feet are slightly flattened and tipped with curved claws well suited for digging.



    Acknowledgment:
  • Rene M. Bollengier. Jr., 1994. Woodchucks: Prevention and control of wildlife damage. Assistant Regional Director (retired). USDA-APHIS Animal Damage Control.
  • University of Michigan Museum of Zoology - Animal Diversity Web