The GROUNDHOG also known as a Woodchuck, and Whistle pig as they make an unusual whistling sound. They are stout-bodied mammals of the squirrel family. Groundhogs have black feet, reddish-brown or brown fur with little to no white, except around the mouth. They range in size from 17 to 20 inches long with 4 to 6 inch long tails, and weigh between 4 and 14 pounds.

Groundhogs are found from the eastern and central United States northward across Canada and into Alaska. They are animals of open fields and woodland edges, where they feed mainly on low green vegetation, and can be extremely harmful to crops.

They live on the land, but are good swimmers and climbers. They feed heavily in summer, storing fat for their long winter hibernation. Groundhogs are excellent diggers, constructing a burrow with a main entrance and an escape tunnel. Groundhogs generally live alone.

An excellent source of Groundhog photographs, sounds and information may be found at: Groundhogs at Hog Haven!