Where does the groundhog live?
The groundhog, or woodchuck, lives in North America, throughout much of the eastern United States, across Canada and into Alaska. It is the most widespread marmot in North America. It is a lowland creature, which is exceptional among marmots: the others, such as the yellow-bellied and hoary marmots, live in rocky and mountainous areas.
What does the groundhog eat?
It is one of the most solitary marmot species. Male and female interactions are usually limited to the mating season, but some populations form long-term pair bonds throughout the year. It spends its time digging the ground: its English name, groundhog, literally means "earth pig". It is also nicknamed "siffleux" in French, after its whistle-like call. It is an extremely intelligent animal, forming complex social networks.
Is the groundhog endangered?
No: the IUCN lists it as Least Concern. It is considered a crucial habitat engineer: it helps maintain healthy soil in woodlands and plains. It is 40 to 65 cm long, weighs 2 to 4 kg, and lives 4 to 6 years in the wild.
