Buzz
A groundhog, commonly referred to as a woodchuck, taking a leisurely walk. Dawn Scranton/Flickr (CC BY 2.0)To chuck or not to chuck, that’s the real dilemma. While woodchucks can’t actually chuck wood, they do chuck something else entirely: dirt. These large, squirrel-like rodents are experts at excavating soil, moving up to 700 pounds (318 kilograms) of it to craft their intricate burrows. This dirt-chucking is essential for creating their underground havens.
With their robust bodies, sharp front teeth, and powerful claws, woodchucks are well-equipped to dig through the earth. Their burrows, which can stretch up to 66 feet (20 meters) in length and reach depths of 6 feet (2 meters), are marvels of engineering. These underground networks serve multiple purposes: they provide shelter, protection from predators, a place to hibernate, and a safe space for raising young. Featuring multiple levels, several entrances, and even a dedicated bathroom area, these burrows are like luxurious subterranean estates for these industrious creatures.
Despite their already perplexing name, 'woodchuck' is just one of many monikers they go by. Most commonly referred to as the groundhog (remember Punxsutawney Phil and his shadow-seeking antics), they are also known as the whistling pig, land squirrel, land beaver, marmot, and even 'underground architect.' The name you use likely depends on your region, but the term 'woodchuck' originates from the Native American word 'wuchak,' meaning 'digger.'
From afar, it’s easy to mistake a woodchuck for a beaver, an animal that genuinely adores wood. However, the woodchuck resembles a hybrid of a beaver and a squirrel — boasting the beaver’s coarse brown fur, muscular build, and prominent front teeth, combined with the squirrel’s bushy tail and agile movements.
While wood isn’t their primary focus, woodchucks aren’t entirely indifferent to it. They occasionally climb trees to snag fresh fruit, complementing their diet of vegetables and grasses. They prefer to dig their burrows in open meadows or fields near wooded areas. Unfortunately, they’re also notorious for invading yards, much to the dismay of homeowners and farmers who often consider them pests.
Sadly, all the dirt they chuck won’t make the classic tongue twister any easier to master. Here’s hoping they stick to chucking dirt in distant meadows rather than turning your backyard into their excavation site, allowing them to enjoy their sophisticated underground lifestyle without causing havoc.
In Delaware County, Ohio, a group of woodchucks unearthed more than just dirt. They accidentally uncovered a previously unknown Indian site, leading archaeologists to discover numerous artifacts that shed light on the culture of the area’s original inhabitants.
